Home office energy savings: Tips for remote workers

Working from home has become the new normal for many people across Scotland. Whether you’ve set up a work space in a spare bedroom, a cosy corner of the living room, or even a converted garden office, spending more time at home inevitably means using more energy.

The heating’s on longer, the kettle’s getting extra workouts, and the laptop’s always plugged in. But with a few smart changes, it’s possible to keep your workspace comfortable while trimming down your energy bills.

Here are some simple, practical tips to help you save energy - and money - while working remotely.

Heat the person, not the house

When you’re home all day, it’s tempting to keep the heating on constantly. But heating the whole house for just one person can be costly. Instead, focus on staying warm where you actually work.

A small, energy-efficient space heater can be a good option if you only need to warm one room. Alternatively, heated throws, hot water bottles, or even fingerless gloves can make a big difference without cranking up the thermostat.

If you do need to heat your whole home, turning down the thermostat by just one degree can cut heating costs by up to 10% - and you’ll probably hardly notice the difference.

Make the most of natural light

Scotland might not always deliver bright sunshine, but even on cloudy days, natural light can help reduce your need for electric lamps. Position your desk near a window to take advantage of daylight... it’s not only good for your energy use but also great for your mood and productivity.

When you do need artificial light, opt for LED bulbs. They use up to 80% less energy than traditional bulbs and last far longer, making them an easy win for any home office.

Unplug energy vampires

Even when your devices are switched off, many still draw power in standby mode. Chargers, printers, monitors, and speakers are common culprits. Try plugging everything into a single power strip... that way, you can switch off your entire setup at the end of the day with one flick.

It’s also worth checking your computer’s power settings. Enabling energy-saving or sleep modes can reduce consumption significantly over time, especially if you’re away from your desk frequently.

For more tips, read our blog on the impact of phantom energy and how to reduce standby power.

Mind the micro-breaks

Remote work often means more frequent tea and coffee breaks, which can add up in kettle-boils and appliance use. A simple trick: boil the amount of water you actually need. It sounds small, but doing this consistently could save you several pounds a year on electricity.

And when lunchtime comes around, try using the microwave or air fryer instead of the oven - they’re much more efficient for smaller meals.

Check your insulation and draughts

A chilly home office isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s wasteful. Poor insulation and sneaky draughts can let precious heat escape. Draught-proofing your windows and doors is a quick, affordable fix that can make an immediate difference.

If you’re a homeowner, it’s also worth looking into loft insulation or double glazing, which can have long-term benefits for comfort and energy costs.

Even renters can benefit... employ the use of thick curtains, rugs, and door stoppers to help keep warmth in without any permanent changes.

Take advantage of smart tech

Smart thermostats and plugs can help you monitor and control your energy use more precisely. You can set heating schedules that align with your working hours or even switch off devices remotely if you’ve forgotten to do it before leaving the room.

Many energy suppliers in Scotland now offer smart meters too, which make it easier to see how much energy you’re using in real time… a great motivator for cutting down.

Small changes, big difference

Improving your home energy efficiency doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or productivity. By combining simple habits with a few smart upgrades, you can make your home office more efficient - keeping your bills down and doing your bit for the environment.

After all, when your workspace is efficient, your workday runs smoother too.