Working from home has never been so popular. It brings a lot of freedom and opportunities, but it also has challenges.
One of the biggest? Higher energy use.
I’ve worked from home since 2007 and haven’t looked back.
Yes, I miss the office banter and the occasional birthday cake, but I don’t miss the commute, bad lunches, vending machine coffee or office politics.
If you’re one of the millions working from home and noticing your energy bills creeping up, there are practical steps you can take.
None of them will save a fortune on their own, but together they can make a real difference to your bills.
| Type of change | Examples | Typical saving | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quick daily habits | – Lower thermostat by 1°C- Only boil enough water for your mug- Switch off plugs and appliances- Close doors to unused rooms- Use blankets or hot water bottles | £5–£100 per year depending on consistency | Renters, anyone on a tight budget, people needing instant savings |
| Low-cost upgrades | – Draft excluders- Thermal curtains- LED lightbulbs- USB heating gadgets | £20–£150 per year | Renters and homeowners who want affordable improvements without major work |
| Long-term home improvements | – Loft insulation- Cavity wall insulation- Smart thermostat installation- Double glazing | £100–£500+ per year (often more) | Homeowners looking to future-proof against rising bills and improve property value |
| Financial support | – £6 per week working-from-home tax relief- Warm Home Discount- Supplier hardship funds | Varies (£300+ depending on eligibility) | Anyone eligible for government or supplier support |
Manage your central heating wisely
Heating is the biggest energy cost in most UK homes. Lowering the thermostat by just 1°C can save between £60–£80 a year.
I keep mine set to 18°C, running for an hour in the morning and again in the evening, with extra heat only on the coldest days.
If you normally set yours at 23°C, dropping to 21°C could trim your bill without leaving you freezing.
If you haven’t already, consider installing a smart thermostat. It learns your patterns, avoids heating empty rooms, and can be controlled from your phone.
That way you only pay for heat when you actually need it.
Work in the warmest room
If you can, work in a south-facing room. You’ll benefit from natural light, which can boost your mood and concentration, while also taking advantage of the sun’s warmth.
If that’s not an option, choose the room that’s easiest to heat or insulate.
Closing doors to keep heat in, drawing thick curtains at night, and using draft excluders under doors can all reduce heat loss.
Only boil the water you need
If you’re powered by tea or coffee like I am, you’ll be using your kettle quite a bit. If you only boil enough water for your mug, the kettle won’t have to work so hard or burn as much electricity.
If you find you forget your drink while working and it gets cold, buy an insulated mug. I have a cheap one and it keeps my tea hot for up to 4 hours!
Claim your tax back
If you work from home, you’re entitled to claim tax relief of £6 per week. It’s not huge, but it adds up to around £312 a year that’s better in your pocket than anyone else’s.
Check eligibility and apply via the HMRC website.
Cook smart and save
Cooking can take quite a lot of energy so cook smart. Cook in batches so you can have a warm meal for lunch and dinner without wasting energy.
I’m a big fan of cooking in batches. I’ll cook a big pot of bolognese, chilli or shepherd’s pie mix, portion it into plastic containers and then freeze them.
Then I can simply defrost, prepare the rest of the meal and it’s done.
Cooking in batches is cheaper, saves a lot of work each day and ensures you’re getting nutrition with minimal effort.
My kind of cooking!
Dress for winter
It might sound obvious, but wearing the right clothes indoors reduces your need to crank up the heating.
Layer up with jumpers, thermal tops, and warm socks. Cotton and wool are breathable yet insulating, so you stay comfortable without overheating.
Try low-cost USB heating gadgets
If you’re still cold, USB-powered heating products are a cheap alternative to blasting the radiators.
From heated mouse mats and gloves to small desktop fans, they use around 1p per hour of electricity.
Stick to products with a CE mark and strong reviews to avoid the unsafe, no-brand imports.
Upgrade your home for the long term
If you own your home, consider small improvements that cut energy bills:
- Fit LED lightbulbs to reduce lighting costs.
- Add loft insulation or cavity wall insulation (often subsidised by grants).
- Use draft excluders and radiator reflectors to keep warmth inside.
Even renters can take steps, like using thermal curtains or plugging small drafts with affordable kits.
Simple daily habits that help
- Switch devices off at the wall instead of leaving them on standby.
- Shut the doors in unused rooms.
- Use a blanket or hot water bottle instead of running the heating for hours.
It’s about small habits stacking up to make a noticeable difference.
Lowering energy costs when working from home FAQs
1. Is it cheaper to heat one room instead of the whole house?
Yes, if you spend most of your day in one room, it’s cheaper to heat just that space using a radiator thermostat or an efficient portable heater. However, avoid running multiple electric heaters across different rooms as that can be more expensive than central heating.
2. Should I leave my heating on low all day or switch it on and off?
Switching it on and off when needed is usually cheaper. Modern boilers reheat water efficiently, and keeping heating on constantly wastes energy when rooms aren’t in use. Smart thermostats make this even easier.
3. Can small changes like boiling less water or switching off plugs really make a difference?
Individually, they save a few pounds a year. But combined across lighting, heating, appliances, and cooking, these micro-savings can reduce bills by hundreds annually.
4. Are smart plugs and smart meters worth it?
Yes, smart plugs help you monitor and reduce appliance energy use, while smart meters give real-time feedback on your spending. Both can highlight waste you might not notice otherwise.
5. Can I claim extra help with bills if I work from home?
Beyond the £6 weekly tax relief, you may also qualify for government support schemes like the Warm Home Discount or supplier-specific hardship funds. It’s worth checking with your energy provider.
