How you can improve your home’s energy efficiency and your workplace

Life as we knew it before the pandemic appears to have changed forever. As more people embrace working from home, so too our energy bills. Where does that leave businesses who  calculate carbon emissions of their work force? Are businesses offsetting the carbon emissions of those who choose to work from home? I can only assume businesses haven’t caught up to the fact that working from home is a permanent change. But that doesn’t mean under reporting carbon emissions means that it isn’t created. As employees adjust to a hybrid way of working, so too must we change the way we calculate emission. Employees must now shoulder this responsibility. For our planet and community, we all need to be part of the solution in reducing our collective environmental impact. A simple way to do this while working from home is to understand the energy used from their homes. 

Simple changes that can reduce your homes carbon emissions and environmental impact

Home owners and renters alike will tell you that their biggest running cost is electricity. How many fights have you had over the temperature being too hot or too cold? Or gotten frustrated at the poor internet connection?  It is enough to start World War 3. An energy audit helps you work out how you use energy and which appliances are energy vampires.  A handy tool is the smart meter which will monitor your home’s energy usage. Check out the NSW Energy Saver website to know more about the benefits of installing one. Another way is to know if your home is a high energy user is by comparing similar sized homes. The Energy Made Easy website compares your household’s electricity usage to others. Some energy companies will tell you on your bill. 

Setting the wrong temperature can add to your energy bill

Heating and cooling your home is often be the single largest factor to your electricity bill. Work out a happy temperature with those  who share your home is essential to avoid arguments. It pays to do research when choosing the right air conditioning unit as it may save you money in the long run. For example, a reverse air conditioning unit may be more effective at cooling your home but more expensive to run than a ceiling fan. When buying, consider other factors like the size of your home or room you need heating/cooling. And consider how often you will need to use it. You may find your needs are different depending if you live in a dry or humid climate. 

According to the  Australian Energy Foundation, an extra one-degree increase in temperature can add 10% to your energy bill. In winter, set heating at 18-20 degrees Celsius/64-68 degrees Fahrenheit (ºF) . Whereas in summer, aim for temperatures between 23-26 degrees Celsius/73-78 degrees Fahrenheit (ºF). The refrigerator is recommended to be at 3 or 4 degrees/37-39 degrees Fahrenheit (ºF) and freezer is recommended to be at 15 to 18 degrees Celsius/58-64 degrees Fahrenheit (ºF).  

Invest in energy and water efficient star rated electrical appliance

When buying new home appliances, look for an energy or water efficient star appliance rating. The star rating offers a guide of the ongoing running cost of an appliance. A water efficient shower head reduces the amount of water used and therefore your hot water bills. 

Researching before you buy a large electrical appliance is worth the time and investment. A great place to start your research is energyrating.gov.au. Knowing the different types of washing machine can also make difference to how much you save money. Front loaders use less energy, water and detergent. Whereas, top-loaders are harsher on your clothing.

Limit the number of home entertainment devices 

Have you lost count of how many home appliances and digital devices you own? Often they are on at the same time or on standby mode. It’s good to be aware of the most common home electrical appliances that use standby power as it continues to use energy. While you’re at it, declutter the number of devices that you own but no longer use. Sell unwanted items on second hand markets on Facebook marketplace or recycle at designated e-waste centres. 

Renewable energy as a sustainable energy source

If it turns out your household has high energy needs, it may be time to explore a long term solution. Options like solar energy will require an upfront investment. Some local authorities will offer rebates that will reduce the cost of installation. Solar power gives you the benefit of living off the energy your home produces with any excess, going to the grid. Using your own energy source gives you the ability to live self-sufficiently and be more sustainable. 

A sustainable home design can improve your home’s efficiency, lower running costs saving you time and money in the long run. The changes you make also go towards helping the business you work for become aware of their responsibility. Regardless of your company’s journey, taking the first step as a home owner or renter is important.  We all can do our part to make a difference, either for ourselves or for our community.