Now that many of us are working from home and spending our free time there too, energy usage in homes is up. When you work on site, power usage is paid for by your employer, but at home, you are responsible for paying the bill. Check out these tips to reduce your energy usage, stay comfortable, and save money.

Computer equipment and electronics

• Use a laptop instead a desktop computer.
• Set your computer on sleep mode during long breaks during the day. At the end of the day, set it on sleep mode or turn it off. Turn off your monitors as well if applicable.
• Unplug your phone as soon as it is fully charged. Avoid charging your phone overnight.
• Unplug all electronics that are not in use or get a smart power strip. Check out this infographic from NREL to figure out which smart power strip will work for you.
• Upgrade to Energy Star Certified equipment when your old equipment stops working.

For your work space

• Change light bulbs to LEDs. Check out the LightRecycle for recycling locations for old lightbulbs.
• Take advantage of your blinds, shades, and drapes. During colder months, open them during the day and close them at night to retain heat. During warmer months, close them on the sunny side of the house to keep the house cool.
• Use natural light and keep your lights off whenever possible.
• Don't forget to turn off the lights when you leave the room.

Heating and cooling

• Check out these incentives from Clark Public Utilities and the Energy Trust.
• Place appliances that give off heat, such as lamps or TVs, away from the thermostat.
• Keep the windows closed.
• Keep the thermostat a little high in the summer and a little cool in the winter.

Maintaining a comfortable body temperature

• Grab a warm blanket or more layers and possibly a hat, thick socks, or slippers.
• Take a quick break and do some cardio exercises.
• Make something hot to eat or drink, like tea or soup.
• Get a UL listed electric throw with an auto shut off.
• Get a flat panel radiant heater for under your desk. This low wattage heater will warm your feet and legs and there's no fire risk.

• Wear thin loose fitting clothing.
• Use an ice pack or wet a towel with cold water. Place on "pulse points" such as your wrists, ankles, the crooks of your elbows, and backs of your knees. Make sure to cover your skin with a towel to protect it and only do 20 minutes at a time.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Get something cold to eat or drink, like salads or iced tea.
• Turn on a fan.