Many of us are finding ourselves working from home more often. If your home now doubles as an office, these tips can help keep your energy costs down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Consider using an energy-saving<\/a> power board for all your work related tech. Connect your main appliance, which is likely your computer, to the \u2018master socket\u2019 and then connect other appliances (like monitors, printers, charger and lamps) to the \u2018slave sockets\u2019. When you turn your computer off, power to the other units shuts down automatically, which makes sure that power is not wasted on appliances that are left on but not being used. If you normally use a ducted heater to warm your home, try dressing in warm clothing and draping an electric heated throw rug over your knees instead. If you\u2019re using a heating or cooling system in your home office during the day, try heating or cooling only the area you\u2019re working in. Close doors, use curtains, blinds and draft stoppers to limit your office energy use to a single room. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Setting your heat to 18-20\u00b0C<\/a> is another simple way to reduce your energy use<\/a>. Each degree over 20\u00b0C uses around 10% more energy<\/a>. When it comes to cooling your home office, the ideal temperature to set your air-con to is 24\u00b0C or higher<\/a>. Each degree under uses 5% more energy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you haven’t updated your energy plan<\/a> in a while, head over to our Compare Plans<\/a> page to check you’re on the best deal that suits your needs. Switching to another plan could save you money. If you’re not too sure where to start, we’ve pulled together some tips for finding the right energy plan<\/a> for your household.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have a smart meter, you can track your usage in our app<\/a>, so that you can see what you\u2019re using and when. Download our app on Google Play<\/a> or in the App Store.<\/a> You can also keep an eye on your energy usage in My Account<\/a>. If you don\u2019t already have access, you can register right here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Slow cookers are perfect for the 8 hour work day. If you\u2019re handy in the kitchen, or want to test your prowess as a culinary champion, try slow-cooking your dinner<\/a> while you work. Fun fact: slow-cookers are also incredibly versatile and use less energy than standard ovens. Bon App\u00e9tit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Working from home opens up some pretty interesting tax benefits and challenges. You should be able to make deductions against operating costs such as equipment & services; however there are a few rules that apply:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s always wise to seek out the advice of your accountant and check the ATO’s website<\/a> for specific guidance relating to your situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you leave electrical\u202fappliances<\/a> turned on at the wall they\u2019ll continue to use energy, so put everything on one power board and make it easy for yourself to flick off one switch at night. <\/p>\n\n\n\nHeat yourself first<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Get the temperature just right<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Check your energy plan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Track your usage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cook clever<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Keep your receipts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n