10 Steps to a Greener Bedroom

  1. Start with lighting. It’s one of the easiest ways to reduce your energy use. By replacing your five most frequently-used light bulbs/fixtures with ENERGY STAR-qualified lights (CFLs or LEDs), you can save more than $65 per year. CFL bulbs with the ENERGY STAR rating use 75% less energy than conventional incandescent bulbs and last 6-10 times longer ó so you save money on your energy bills and on light bulb replacement costs.

  2. Use a humidifier in the winter. Having a healthy level of humidity in the air (35-55%) keeps the air feeling warmer, so you can turn the thermostat down.

  3. Use a hot water bottle. Use a hot water bottle, heating pad, or electric blanket to keep yourself toasty in the winter, rather than turning up your thermostat. Also remember to dress for the season!

  4. Install window shades and use them. Keep the drapes open to let the sun’s warmth in on cold days, and close the drapes to keep the sun’s heat out on hot days.

  5. Insulate your outlets. Insulate your outlets and switches to prevent unnecessary heat loss by installing gaskets – here’s how.

  6. Combat air leaks. Combat air leaks by caulking and sealing your window frames and sashes. Learn how here.

  7. Make sure no furniture is blocking your HVAC register. You want the air to be able to circulate freely so that it doesn’t have to work as hard. Also, make sure to change your air filters regularly (every 3 months); it keeps your air clean and helps the system work more efficiently.

  8. Use a ceiling fan when the weather is warm. It will make the air feel up to 6 degrees cooler (but, it doesn’t make the actual temperature lower, so make sure you turn off the fan when you leave the room).

  9. Use a draft stopper. Put a draft stopper in front of drafty doors and windows to keep your heated or cooled air from escaping.

  10. If you have a radiator, line the walls behind your radiators with tin foil. It will reflect heat back into your room rather than letting it escape through the walls, increasing how warm your /home is (and feels), thus reducing your electricity costs.

RESOURCES

Learn how to insulate your outlets.

Learn to make your own draft stopper.

Learn to insulate your windows.

Learn about humidifying your home.