Save money on energy bills working from home this winter

Britons working from home use 25 percent more electricity and 17 percent more gas per day and that figure is set to be even higher during the winter months, according to Uswitch. As the colder weather sets in, many people will be worried about soaring energy bills but there are simple ways people can make savings when working from home.

Hive has shared some working from home energy-saving tips on its website. It suggests: 

• “Stay in one place. While moving from room to room is an easy habit to get into during work-from-home hours, it can unwittingly increase your energy consumption. Fortunately, the Hive App allows you to control heating and lighting systems from your device, so you can be sure you’re not overusing energy.

• “Take charge of your schedule so that you don’t work longer than necessary. Although this can be tempting, especially at home, you’ll only be wasting energy and money. And burning yourself out in the process!

• “Keep heat to a minimum. Wrap up warm in a cosy jumper while working from home in winter. Save energy by only using your thermostat when needed.

• “Get acquainted with the eco settings on your appliances. Today’s dishwashers and washing machines usually feature environmentally friendly cycles that keep your items clean and your costs down.

• “Let the sunshine in! Making the most of natural daylight can actually eliminate the need to have multiple light appliances plugged in altogether.”

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As well as these tips, people can keep warm under an electric blanket while working from home.

Experts say an electric blanket costs much less than having the central heating on.

Running a 100W electric blanket will cost around 42p a night (based on eight hours of use) which is three times less than the estimated £1.28 it costs to run electric central heating.

Even better, it’s 16 times less than gas central heating which could set billpayers back around £6.72.

READ MORE: Old fashioned money saving tips could save you £1,716 a year

Meanwhile, millions of people on a low income could be eligible for financial help from the Government to help them pay their winter energy bills.

The £150 Warm Home Discount is paid to customers who are on certain means tested benefits before the end of April.

Cold weather payments of £25 are made by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to people on certain benefits every time the temperature drops, or is predicted to fall, below zero for seven consecutive days and runs from November 1 to March 31 every year.

It’s also worth getting in touch with individual energy providers as these have their own support schemes to help financially vulnerable customers.