The bedroom, the room in which most people spend nearly one-third of their life, can be streamlined for energy use just as other living spaces. Everything from technology use to bedroom design can cut energy use and increase overall home efficiency. Most energy conservation in the bedroom requires preparation but little effort once the changes are made.
1. Consolidate Cords and Turn Out the Lights
All electrics use a small amount of phantom energy when not in use. But who wants to walk around the room unplugging every device? Instead, use extension cords to plug your devices, including the television, lamps, and chargers, into a single power strip. At night or when you leave the room for the day, there’s only one power strip to turn off or unplug.
2. Take Care of Your E-Waste
You may not even realize you’re hanging on to old appliances like DVD or VHS players and radios. You may not have actually used them for years, but if they’re plugged in, they’re using energy. E-cycling facilities can properly dispose of these items so they don’t pose an environmental hazard. They can also be donated to charities or other groups that repurpose or resell them. You’ll not only be conserving energy by eliminating phantom energy use, but you’ll declutter the bedroom as well.
3. Smart Light Bulbs
The latest smart technology can also help reduce energy use. Smart bulbs can be synced with an app via a hub and controlled from a smartphone. Once set up, they provide remote control over bedroom lights. Not only does that allow you to turn the lights off from your bed, but they can be monitored when the home is empty. Forget to turn the lights off before leaving on vacation? No problem, you can do it from your smartphone.
Some smart bulbs use a geofence so that they aren’t activated unless the device is within a certain range. Depending on the fence distance, the lights will automatically be turned on or off when the room is in use.
4. Turn Down/Up the Thermostat
Heating and cooling costs make up a large portion home energy use. Turning the thermostat up or down, depending on the season, can save both energy and money. Many thermostats can be programmed to automatically adjust the temperature at night.
5. Ceiling Fans and Blankets
Thermostat adjustments may necessitate a few other changes to remain comfortable while you sleep. The human body experiences a drop in body temperature to trigger the onset of sleep.
To cool off, ceiling fans use less energy than air conditioning and create a breeze that cools the body by evaporating moisture from the skin’s surface. To stay warm, extra blankets and warm pajamas are an obvious choice. Don’t overlook the extra warmth of a mattress topper, especially memory foam models, as a way to warm up at night too.
6. Use Window Coverings for Temperature Maintenance
Windows are a major source of heat loss/gain. A tube of caulking can take care of any leaks around the windowsill. However, even energy efficient windows will allow changes in temperature. Window coverings like blackout curtains, heavy-lined drapes, and blinds provide a protective barrier from heat and cold.
They can be strategically used throughout the day to alter the bedroom temperature. For example, during the summer, close the curtains when the bedroom window is hit with full sun. In the winter, open the curtains so the afternoon heat will warm the room.
Energy conservation in the bedroom can be easy if the right preparations are made. Once the changes are made, energy can be saved with the flip of a switch.
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