Are you now a home-based worker? If so, do you feel you’re as productive as you expect to be, or as you can be? Many of us see the importance of our productivity as tied to whether or not we’ll be forced to return to the old office at some point. Demonstrating excellent productivity while working at home just bolsters our contention that we’re doing a better job at the home office than we ever did before.
However, does your home office hardware and infrastructure support your maximum productivity? If not, we have a few ideas for your home office that have worked well for thousands of other home workers.
Outlets
First, let’s look at the easy changes that we can do right away, such as making sure your office has enough outlets, so you don’t need to use extension cords. Extension cords are a sign that you need a wiring upgrade. They’re not really safe, they’re ugly, and they’re unnecessary when you have the infrastructure you need.
You can tackle a shortage of outlets by calling an electrician. At the same time you increase the number of outlets, you can also add some USB outlets. Instead of clogging up the AC outlets when you’re charging USB devices, simply add USB outlets and maintain functionality. In many situations, just changing out old AC outlets with USB outlets actually doubles the number of useable outlets. It doesn’t get much easier than that!
Dedicated Computer Circuit
Another easy improvement is adding a dedicated computer circuit for the office/computer equipment. Because computers use more sophisticated components and are more sensitive to any changes in the electrical signal, a dedicated circuit is a needed safety feature. This circuit isolates your computer equipment from other devices on other circuits, such as heaters and refrigerators that intermittently draw more power. Whatever happens elsewhere in the home’s electrical system is separate from your computers.
Another upgrade is a surge suppressor. You’re probably familiar with the version that plugs into your wall outlet. Similar but far better is a whole-house surge suppressor that is installed near the electrical panel and protects the entire home from damaging electrical surges.
Power Conditioner for Reduced Line Noise
Along with a surge suppressor, a power conditioner is cheap insurance and helps to deliver a stable and reliable current to your devices. New electronic devices are refined and sophisticated tools, and a power conditioner provides them with better fuel. Electricity is complex, and a power conditioner helps to protect your most sensitive equipment.
Hard-Wired Internet Connection for Better Speed
Lastly, replacing Wi-Fi with a hard-wired internet connection can provide a more stable connection that’s better for high-bandwidth tasks like videoconferencing. If you ever find that your Wi-Fi is a bit sketchy or unreliable, a hard-wired connection will solve that problem. It’s also a benefit when you have multiple users competing for bandwidth.
Although you might start with just a few upgrades, you may find your home office could also benefit from better lighting, security cameras, and other electrical upgrades that all need more power. Contact the experts at Mr. Electric to learn more about these and other improvements that will boost your productivity and enhance your home office security.
