| If you are one of the millions of people who are | | | | Seal the windows securely and you should find you |
| fortunate enough to work from home you are also | | | | are able to work at a much more comfortable |
| aware that there are some bad aspects as well that | | | | temperature and reduce your energy bills at the same |
| you must overcome. From noisy street traffic, | | | | time (well-sealed and insulated windows can also |
| inconvenient phone calls, and even drafty windows, | | | | reduce the loudness of outside noises from traffic, |
| there are all sorts of things that can drive you crazy, | | | | landscapers, etc). |
| impair your ability to be productive, and drain your | | | | Break out those flat panel LCD monitors. Not only are |
| wallet of money from increased energy costs. It is | | | | they sleek and take less space on the desk, but they |
| often some simple and easy to handle corrections that | | | | are also higher quality and provide better graphics. In |
| can have a large positive impact on your home office | | | | addition, they as consume as much as 67% less |
| space while keeping your wallet happy as well. | | | | power than the older, bulky CRT monitors. Never |
| First off, check the lighting in your home office (and | | | | before has cleaning off room on your desk and |
| throughout the house). Many people do not realize that | | | | upgrading to the newest computer monitor been so |
| they really do not need those bright 100-watt light bulbs | | | | good for your wallet and the overall energy |
| in their home office. Not only is that lighting harsh on the | | | | consumption in your home. The changes are amazing |
| eyes, it is also very harsh on the wallet. Reducing the | | | | and the reduced power usage is enough to really |
| wattage to 60 watts or even 40-watt bulbs instead | | | | inspire people to look around for more changes that |
| reduces your power consumption from lights by as | | | | can be made. |
| much as 60%, and eases the brightness of the light on | | | | Other ways to save can include using recycled paper |
| your eyes making it easier to work as well. When I | | | | around the home and even going paperless (if |
| installed monorail lighting in my home office, I found that | | | | possible) in your home office. You might be surprised |
| the ability to adjust the spotlights allowed me to see | | | | how few things you really need to print out. |
| much better than before with far less wattage. Lighting | | | | While many major companies have to hire consultants |
| is something that is a relatively cheap (and easy to | | | | to turn their office into a more streamlined and efficient |
| make) change that can have great benefits. | | | | area, it is possible to handle some small changes |
| Another important consideration is to check windows | | | | yourself and still keep up a good workflow in your own |
| and doors in your office area for drafts. This can let | | | | home office. You will be surprised just how much |
| hot air in during the warmer months and cold air in | | | | those small changes can add up to an increased |
| during the cooler months making it very difficult to | | | | energy level, increased savings off your monthly bills, |
| regulate your own temperature and the temperature in | | | | and ultimately major savings over the course of an |
| your office as well. This can really hinder your ability to | | | | entire year. |
| work, and it can increase your energy bills dramatically. | | | | |