Making Your Home Energy Efficient Room by Room: Bedroom

You want your bedroom to be as comfortable as possible, for sleeping and when you're awake. Use these simple energy saving tips to make your bedroom more energy efficient and comfortable at the same time.

Energy Efficient Bedroom Lighting

Replace fixtures and bulbs with ENERGY STAR qualified lighting products. One of the easiest places to start saving energy in your bedroom is with lighting. You can start saving up to 75% on your lighting costs immediately by replacing your incandescent light bulbs with ENERGY STAR qualified LED bulbs or compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs). ENERGY STAR qualified residential LED bulbs uses at least 75% less energy, and last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs while providing optimal light color.  Compact fluorescent bulbs provide high quality lighting and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent light bulbs.

You can also save energy in the bedroom by replacing your regular lighting fixtures with ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures. They come in a wide range of designs, from floor and table lamps to ceiling fixtures, to suit any style. You can save more than $65 a year in energy costs simply by replacing your 5 most used lights with ENERGY STAR qualified light bulbs or fixtures. And whichever light bulbs or fixtures you use, remember to turn off the light when it's not being used.

TV and Other Electronic Devices

Consumer electronics account for 15% of household electricity use in the US, on average. That makes it a good place to start saving energy. TV's, DVD players and other electronic devices can eat up a lot of electricity, so be sure to turn them off whenever they're not being used. TVs are getting larger. In fact, some of the largest, high resolution, direct view TVs (versus rear projection products) can use as much electricity each year as a new, conventional refrigerator, or roughly 500 kWh, every year.  So if you're buying new equipment, choose products with the ENERGY STAR logo. ENERGY STAR qualified televisions use about 40% less energy than standard units. Many devices use energy even when they're turned off.  They use less energy when the device is switched off, and still maintain functions like clocks and channel settings. To save more energy, always unplug power adapters, cell phone chargers and other battery chargers when not in use.

Seal Windows for Comfort and Energy Savings

You want to stay cozy in your bedroom, especially in the winter months. To avoid drafts in the winter, replace window screens with storm windows, which help prevent cold outside air from entering your bedroom. Even with storm windows, you may find window and door frames that leak cold air and reduce your energy efficiency. Caulk and weather-strip around the leaky frames to reduce drafts. If your windows are old and in need of replacement, look for ENERGY STAR qualified models that are rated for your climate zone (your window contractor or retailer will be able to help you choose the right windows). With proper installation, you can save up to $95 per year in energy costs and have improved comfort, less drafts and protect your interior furnishings from fading.

Energy Saving Tips for Window Air Conditioners

Do you have a window air conditioner in your bedroom? If you do, you can save money with these energy saving tips:

• During winter months, cover the air conditioner from the outside with a tight-fitting insulating cover to keep heated indoor air from escaping to the outside. Or better yet, remove the air conditioner for the best protection against energy loss and to prevent drafts.

• The air conditioner should fit tightly in the window to prevent hot outdoor air from getting in.

• If you're buying a new window air conditioner, consider an ENERGY STAR qualified model, which uses at least 10% less energy than standard air conditioner models.

Keep Air Vents Clear

To maximize your comfort and energy efficiency, make sure air vents and registers aren't blocked by furniture, so air can flow freely throughout the room.