With colder months creeping in and energy bills still a major concern for many UK households, hybrid workers are facing a new challenge: how to stay warm and productive at home without breaking the bank.
According to National Energy Action, 58% of households say they’re likely to reduce their energy use this winter to save money. However, cutting back doesn’t have to mean compromising on comfort or productivity.
Furniture specialists at Furniture At Work have pulled together a list of five simple, energy-saving tips to help remote and hybrid workers stay cosy and cost-efficient this season, with potential savings of up to £300 over a typical 6-month winter period.
1. Heat the person, not the room – save up to £75
Instead of turning up the heating, try using an electric blanket or knitted throw during the workday. These use far less energy and can keep you warm without heating the whole house.
Why it works: Electric blankets cost as little as 3–5p per hour to run, compared to central heating which can cost over £1 per hour. Over a typical 6-month winter period, this switch could save you up to £75.
2. Layer up your workspace – save up to £60
Rugs, curtains, and draught excluders can make a big difference in keeping the heat in. If your home office is near a window or door, sealing gaps and adding soft furnishings can help reduce heat loss.
Why it works: Draught-proofing and thermal curtains can reduce heat loss by up to 35%, leading to heating bill reductions of £50–£125/year, or around £60 over winter.
3. Switch to energy-efficient lighting – save up to £50
With shorter days, lighting becomes more important. Swap out old bulbs for LEDs, which use up to 80% less energy and last much longer.
Why it works: Replacing incandescent bulbs with LEDs can save around £7–£13 per bulb per year. For a home office with 3–4 bulbs, that’s up to £50 saved over winter.
4. Use a smart plug or timer – save up to £43
If you’re using a small room heater or desk lamp, plug it into a smart plug or timer so it only runs when you need it. It’s an easy way to avoid wasting energy during breaks or after hours.
Why it works: Standby power accounts for around 10% of household electricity use. Smart plugs can help cut this down, saving up to £86/year, or £43 over winter.
5. Re-position your desk setup – save up to £15
Position your desk near natural light to reduce the need for artificial lighting. If you’re working in a large room, consider moving to a smaller, more insulated space during colder months.
Why it works: Making the most of daylight can reduce lighting costs and heating needs slightly, saving around £10–£25/year, or up to £15 over winter.
A spokesperson for Furniture At Work said:
“With so many people working from home at least part of the week, it’s important to think about how our home setups affect our energy use. Small changes, like where you sit, what you wear, or how you heat your space, can make a big difference to your comfort and your bills.”
For more tips on creating a productive and energy-efficient home workspace, visit: https://www.furniture-work.co.uk/blog
