How Online Students Can Save on Electricity

As an online student, you likely spend the majority of your time studying from home. You’re probably living on a pretty tight budget. It’s easy to run up your electricity bill in this type of arrangement if you’re not paying attention. Here are some ways you can save on electricity as an online student:

Optimize Lighting

The first step in creating an energy-efficient study haven at home is to optimize your lighting. Instead of overhead lights illuminating the entire room, try task lighting. Only light the area you’re working in by using a small desk lamp while taking notes or working on projects. Also, opt for LED light bulbs instead of traditional incandescent, since they use far less energy. 

Or, you could skip the lightbulbs altogether and turn to natural lighting. Open the curtains or blinds and let the sunshine in! Not only will you save on energy consumption from lighting, but you’ll reap the benefits of soaking in natural sunlight, such as improved mood and concentration.

Energy Efficient Devices

Invest in energy-efficient devices for all your studying needs. A great way to ensure you’re using energy-efficient technology in your study space is to look for Energy Star rated devices. These devices deliver improved quality and features while remaining friendly to your electricity bill. Replace old, outdated power-sucking devices with these energy-efficient ones and watch your power bill decrease!

Smart Home Technology

Although smart home technology is an upfront expense, it’s a worthwhile investment that helps you save money over time. Connect your study devices, like computers, printers, tablets, webcams, etc., to your smart home hub for easy tracking and electricity management.

Even if you don’t have smart home technology, you can purchase smart power strips to plug in all your devices. These powerstrips detect when electronic devices are asleep or on standby and automatically cut off power supply to conserve energy. 

Mindful Thermostat Settings

We’re conditioned to seek a comfortable temperature setting at home. It’s exceedingly convenient to crank the AC up and down throughout the day until it’s just right. But, before you touch the thermostat, make sure you’re dressed for comfort. If it’s cold, put on a sweater and bundle up in some blankets. If it’s hot, shed a layer and put that ceiling fan to good use. Give your thermostat a rest, and save on energy along the way!

Unplug or Power-off Unused Devices

You can save money on the electricity bill the good old-fashioned way by unplugging and powering down unused devices. If you’re done studying for the day, shut off your computer, and unplug it. Also, try plugging all your study devices into one power strip with an on/off switch you can easily hit when you’re done studying. No need to consume extra power when your electronics aren’t in use.

Prepaid Power

Not everything is better the old-fashioned way. Prepaid power is the way of the future over traditional electricity. No more surprise bills, contracts, deposits or credit checks. Prepaid electricity is a great option for online college students on a tight budget. Load funds onto your account in advance and track your energy consumption as you go. This is the number one way to save on electricity as a college student who does most of their studying from home. 

With just these few tweaks, you can easily create an energy-efficient study sanctuary at home. At Pronto Power, saving you the most money on your electricity bill is our priority. Learn more about our process here.