Let’s be honest—working from home can be a real blessing. No more traffic jams or packed trains, and your dog gets a few extra cuddles between Zoom calls. You’ve got the flexibility, the comfort of your space, and maybe even a sneaky load of washing done between meetings.
But there’s another side to the story hitting many Aussie households lately—rising energy bills.
If you’ve noticed your electricity bill creeping up, you’re not imagining it. With more time at home, you’re running more appliances, heating and cooling more often, and keeping the lights on longer than you would on a regular office day. And depending on where you live, your energy costs might already be higher than average.
How much extra are we spending by working from home? More importantly, what can we do to keep things comfortable without the energy bill shock?
 

It’s More Than Just a Laptop: The Real Cost of Your Home Office - A Energy Compare Tips

Most people think working from home means charging your laptop. But when we crunched the numbers, the story was a bit different.
Here’s what a typical home setup might cost you per quarter:
 

                                                                                          (source: Finder)
 

That’s over $52 every quarter to keep your workday running. And that’s before you even turn on the air con or heater.
It’s not just your laptop using energy. Monitors, speakers, printers, routers, etc.—all these little things add up. It’s easy to see how a simple work-from-home setup can quietly push your power bills higher than expected.
 

Heating & Cooling: The Hidden Energy Drain in Energy bills

When you’re in the office, your employer usually pays to keep the office warm in winter or cool in summer. But at home, you're the one who picks up the bill. Even though you're doing the same work, now you're paying for the energy that used to be covered by the office - and that can add up over time, as shown in the estimate below.
 

                                                                              (source: Finder)

Yep—around $250 per quarter, just to stay warm or cool for part of the day.
And if you live in an area where energy rates in VIC or NSW are already high, those costs can bite even more. 
** This estimate is based on general assumptions and typical usage patterns. Actual costs will depend on your specific energy plan, rates, and how much heating or cooling you use. To get a more accurate idea of your costs, check your latest energy bill or compare energy plans with Sumo.
 

Easy Ways to Cut Your Work-from-Home Energy bill Costs

We get it—you want to stay comfortable and focused but don’t want to pay a massive bill. The good news? You’ve got options.
Here are a few practical ways to cut your energy costs without making life harder:
1. Be smart with heating and cooling: Reducing your usage time or zoning your workspace can ease the load on your power bill.
2. Switch off when you’re not using it: Standby power might seem minor, but over time, it adds up. Turning off your devices at the wall is a “set and forget” habit that pays off in the long run.
3. Upgrade your lighting: If you haven’t already, swap halogen bulbs for LED lighting. It’s a simple switch that’s better for your energy bill and the environment.
4. Compare energy plan: You might be surprised how much you could save just by switching energy providers or plans. Even if your usage stays the same, finding a better rate could shave a noticeable amount off your energy bill.
Want to save your electricity bill more? Click here

And Don’t Forget—You’re Saving in Other Areas Too
Yes, your energy bill might go up a bit, but there are also things you're not spending on:
•    No daily commute (saving on fuel or public transport costs)
•    No parking fees
•    Fewer takeaway lunches and coffees (well... maybe just a few less)
•    Plus, you’re saving on travel time, which you can use for other things.
When you add it all up, working from home can still be financially beneficial—you just need to monitor your energy usage to reap all the benefits.

In summary, a few simple changes can make a real difference. And remember, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort to save money.
One of the best ways to start is to compare energy plans to ensure you’re getting the best deal. We’re here to help you stay on top of it all—because when energy prices change, knowing where you stand (and where you can save) matters more than ever.
 

Leave your postal code and compare energy today to find out how much you could save. Let’s help you keep your home comfortable without the extra cost!