We’re spending more time at home than ever before. Here are some tips to make it a little more affordable, and a little less stressful.
We’ve compiled some simple tips for navigating our new normal!
WRITTEN BY TEAM ENERGYX ∙ TORONTO, ONTARIO
“In these uncertain times…”
“As you know, people are struggling…”
“We’ve never seen anything like this before…”
These must all look very familiar. It feels almost cliched to say we’re entering a new normal, because everyone is saying that—but it’s true every time. We think the reason it seems this way is because humanity as a whole needs to feel the comfort of patterns and definitions to be able to parse out how things can be navigated, and all of our previously-known patterns are gone now. And we’re trying to find the new definitions, the new routines, and ‘new normal’ seems to be what we’ve all collectively agreed to—for now, at least.
To start with, in this ‘new normal’, most of us are spending more time at home than ever before. This can be eye-opening: we are newly reckoning with how our home actually functions from a comfort and energy perspective, as well as how well your mental and physical health respond to the unexpected lack of structure.
Taking care of yourself
This is more important now than ever. Whether it’s reading a book, doing a DIY face mask, exercising or balancing your budget, invest in yourself in ways you may not have had the time to before.
Look into Funding Opportunities and Bill Assistance from Provincial/State & Federal Governments
Some governments are taking steps to support people and businesses during COVID-19. They are working to implement programs to support workers, tenants, landlords and businesses. Make sure you state specifically that COVID-19/Coronavirus is the reason you need assistance, as that will open up avenues to you that that may not be able to offer otherwise.
If you live in the US please check here for more resources on funding that may be available to you. If you live in Canada please check here for more resources on funding that may be available to you.
Contact your Utility for Assistance Information
Many utilities recognize the impact that COVID-19 has had on their customers’ daily lives, and as such, have implemented new rate/bill assistance plans to help offset their expenses as customers stay home or isolate themselves. Ask your utility about financial assistance and payment deferral options, or to understand what other options may exist that are suited for your particular situation.
Avoid a spike in your energy bill
Being home all day means using more energy. There are several little things that you can do in your home everyday to save money and energy. Opt to wash your laundry in cold water whenever you can and make sure to wash fewer, bigger loads. Turn off all unnecessary lights as soon as you leave any room of your house. Use your oven effectively by taking advantage of the oven light instead of opening and closing the door constantly (we’re talking to you, breadmakers!).
Remember to save water when you wash your hands
Are you washing your hands several times a day? So are we! Health experts have stressed the importance of washing your hands for at least 20 seconds. It is for our benefit to wash our hands regularly to do our part to curb this disease. Wet your hands with clean water, and then turn the tap off and lather the soap. It is as important to wash the back of your hands and between your fingers as it is to wash the front of your hands. Turn the tap back on when you need to rinse!
Let natural light brighten your day and your home
With Spring approaching, the days are going to get longer and brighter. Take advantage of the natural sunlight to warm and light your home during the day. More importantly, sunlight can boost your Vitamin D and bring you a small bit of joy during this quarantine.
Update your car insurance!
Car owners are spending fewer hours on the road, both in terms of distance travelled, as well as time spent in their vehicles. Lighten the load of car insurance by contacting your insurance company to see if there can be lower rates or any kind of relief offered based on the fact that you’re driving less.
Cook Smarter
You’re probably cooking a lot (read: all) of your meals at home these days, and there are some easy-to-implement ways to avoid an increase in your energy consumption. A simple one? Grab all of your ingredients from the fridge at once! When you open your fridge repeatedly, the cold air escapes, forcing it to work hard to keep things cool. Same goes for the oven -- keep the heat in by using the oven light to look in on your food instead of opening the door to get a sneak peak. You can also save energy by using your smaller, low wattage appliances -- think toaster ovens and Instant Pots!
Creativity in the time of Corona
Now that you’re not rushing to get from place to place, you may have more hours in your day - It’s a great time to undertake that home improvement project you have been putting off for the last few months, or try your hand at something new like baking or drawing. If you’re looking for a project that will get the creative juices flowing while also helping you curb your higher-than-average energy bills, try creating a DIY Door Snake! This is a great project for children, and is a simple way to insulate your doors to prevent draftiness!
Don’t let being home-bound stop you from getting fresh air
Fresh air is rejuvenating. While we are to stay in place and adhere to physical distancing, the easiest way to get fresh air is by keeping your windows open as much as you can. Apart from the multitude of physical and mental benefits of fresh air, letting the air circulate through your home also allows for the release of all the trapped emissions from home appliances, and dust mites.
Upcycling your things
Upcycling can help reduce the waste we discard. By upcycling, we also reduce the strain on the resources we currently have. There are many things that can be upcycled—you just need your imagination and a few home improvement items you may already have around the house!
If you are working from home… work smarter, not harder—or longer.
It’s easy to get carried away while working from home. We don’t have to commute anywhere. Everything we need is within reach, and it becomes almost organic to just start earlier, end later, and work through breakfast and lunch. Apart from causing personal burn-out, the extra hours of electricity usage can affect your energy bill. To combat this, try creating a schedule that works for you, whether that be switching off every evening at the same time or restricting access in the mornings. If you’re able, develop a morning ritual that marks the start of a healthy, happy day and use that to officially start your work day!
Though it is a stressful time, remember the ‘why’ of it all: We’re in this together, to reduce the strain on our medical professionals, to keep the most vulnerable safe and prevent the spread of this disease. Kindness starts at home: It’s more important than ever that we extend this to ourselves and the people around us. By doing what we can to settle into our homes safely and comfortably, we will come through this stronger, together.