Working from home has transformed how many of us live, saving time, cutting commutes, and helping us find a better work-life balance.
But as energy prices stay high, spending more time at home can mean bigger bills. The good news? There are simple, effective ways to reduce your energy use without giving up the comfort of your home office.
Here are our top practical tips from OakbrookAdvance to help you save energy and money while working from home.
1. Make the most of natural light
Set up your workspace where there’s plenty of natural daylight. It keeps your mood lifted, helps your focus, and means you won’t need lamps or overhead lights until the evening.
Bonus tip: as the sun sets, it’s a natural reminder to log off and switch to personal time, perfect for keeping your work-life balance in check.
2. Stop heat escaping
Heat loss is one of the biggest culprits behind high energy bills. According to the Energy Saving Trust, you can save up to £60 a year just by draught-proofing your home.
You don’t need fancy gadgets either, an old blanket or trouser leg filled with fabric can make a simple DIY draught excluder.
Keep curtains closed in unused rooms to help retain warmth, and if you can, shut doors to trap heat where you need it most.
3. Unplug, don’t just switch to standby
That tiny red standby light? It still uses electricity.
Unplug electronics when you’re not using them — TVs, chargers, laptops, even your coffee machine. It’s a small habit that can lead to steady savings.
And when your workday’s done, shut down your laptop completely. It saves energy and keeps your device running smoothly for longer.
4. Be smart with your kettle and water use
If you’re constantly refilling your mug (and we get it, caffeine helps), only boil the amount of water you need.
Got leftover warm water? Use it for washing up later, no need to heat fresh water twice. Little changes like these can help trim your daily energy use.
5. Review your energy supplier
If you haven’t checked your energy tariff in a while, it might be time to shop around. Loyalty rarely pays in the energy world.
Use trusted comparison sites to see if you can get a better deal. Even switching to a more efficient plan could save you hundreds of pounds a year.
6. Turn off at the wall
Even if nothing’s plugged in, a wall switch left on can still draw power. Turning plugs off at the wall only takes seconds and every little bit helps.
Next time you’ve made your coffee, flick the switch off. Simple acts, simple savings.
7. Take shorter or colder showers
We know this isn’t everyone’s favourite advice, but it works. Shorter showers cut down hot water costs immediately.
Some even swear by cold showers for boosting alertness and energy — inspired by the Wim Hof method. If you’re brave enough, this could be both refreshing and money-saving!
8. Turn the heating down a degree
You don’t have to shiver to save. Turning your thermostat down by just one degree can make a noticeable difference to your bill without you feeling much colder.
Use timers or smart thermostats to control when the heating’s on. Add extra layers, blankets, or even a hot water bottle to stay cosy without overusing your boiler.
9. Switch the lights off
This one’s easy but often forgotten. When you leave a room, switch off the lights.
You can even turn it into a fun household challenge — who can turn off the most lights in a day?
And if you haven’t already, swap to LED bulbs. They use up to 80% less energy than traditional ones.
10. Use colder months to your advantage
Tumble dryers use a lot of energy. Instead, hang your clothes to dry — outside when it’s bright and breezy, or indoors near a ventilated area.
Even air-drying indoors costs nothing extra, and it’s better for your clothes too.
11. Batch cook your meals
Cooking in bulk saves time, money, and energy. Making one large meal and reheating portions later uses less electricity or gas than cooking from scratch each day.
Buying ingredients in bulk can also lower your grocery costs — win-win.
12. Consider upgrading your boiler
If your boiler is old, it could be wasting energy every time it runs. A newer, more efficient model may reduce your bills in the long term and warm your home faster.
While it’s a bigger upfront cost, you’ll likely save more over time.
13. Talk to your employer
If you’re an employee, check whether your company offers any support for homeworking expenses.
Some businesses provide small allowances to help with higher utility costs — it’s worth asking.
Final thoughts
Working from home should be a benefit — not a financial burden.
By making a few of these small changes, you can enjoy the comfort and flexibility of homeworking while keeping your energy bills under control.
To keep motivated, track what you’re saving compared to commuting — including travel, lunches, and clothing costs. You may find your total savings are higher than you think.
At OakbrookAdvance, we’re here to help you make confident, informed choices about your money — so you can focus on what matters most.