Whether it's grabbing some shut-eye, watching television, or catching up on your latest read, the average human spends an estimated 36 years of theirfe in bed (yes, you read that right).
Our bedrooms are a sanctuary for relaxation, a place to recharge, and ensure that we begin each morning feeling refreshed and ready to take on a new day. It's a space where stress-free design is a top priority. And one of the most significant stressors facing Americans today? Sky-high electrical bills.
Residential electricity costs hit their highest growth rate ever since the turn of the century in 2022, when prices rose by 10.7 percent. And in 2023? They continued to rise by another four percent with no signs of slowing.
The good news is, while the bedroom may be where we spend most of our time, it doesn't have to be where we spend most of our money.
Here are seven ways to make your bedroom more energy-efficient and get through the night without any electrical bill bad dreams.
One simple way to maximize your bedroom energy savings is by taking advantage of window coverings!
We lose roughly 30 percent of the energy we use to heat and cool our homes through our windows, but investing in well-insulated curtains or cellular shades can help minimize the waste.
During the colder months, close your coverings at night to trap heat inside and open them during the day to capture the sunlight (75 percent of which turns into heat!). When the weather is warmer, flip your routine! Close your curtains during the day to keep sunlight out, and open them at night to let extra warmth escape into the cool evening air.
PRO TIP! If you want better control over the amount of light in your bedroom, opt for blackout curtains! These window coverings are equipped with an additional lining that keeps sunlight out, helping to ensure that you get a nice dark room for sleeping, no matter the time of day!
While we're on the topic of windows, curtains, and shades aren't the only way to maximize your bedroom's efficiency. You may also want to consider weatherstripping!
Weatherstripping refers to the process of installing added insulation around the edges of your windows (and exterior-facing doors) in order to minimize air leaks that cause your HVAC system to work overtime.
When done correctly, a weatherstripped space can achieve an energy savings of around 5-10 percent!
It's also a relatively affordable energy-saving measure for the budget-conscious homeowner (averaging around $5-10 per window/door), and installation is easy to do yourself in about an hour, with all necessary materials readily available at most local hardware stores.
You can learn more about how to weatherstrip your windows from the US Department of Energy's website here.
This next tip is one of the easiest to put into action, and it can really flip the switch on wasted energy in the bedroom — make the swap to LED light bulbs!
LEDs are 75 percent more efficient than traditional incandescent light bulbs and last a whopping 50 times longer. In fact, most LEDs have a lifespan of over 25,000 hours, which is over 1000 days if you were to leave them on all the time!
Fewer replacements and less energy use overall? It's a win-win if you ask us!
The US Department of Energy recommends adjusting your thermostat by 7-10 degrees during nighttime hours in order to optimize energy savings. Doing this means turning the temperature down in the winter or up in the summer, essentially getting your home's internal temperature closer to the temperature outside.
It's an adjustment that could save you as much as 10 percent on your home's annual energy expenses. But doing so shouldn't mean compromising on a good night's sleep.
Here are a few handy tools to help you fill in the gaps efficiently.
While fans don't necessarily make a room cooler, they do circulate air over your body, helping to lower your core body temperature, which in turn helps you feel cool! If you don't want to crank your A/C during the summer months, invest in an ENERGY STAR-certified ceiling fan or an efficient oscillating option instead!
Plus, the white noise that a fan creates can be a soothing addition to your nighttime ambiance.
The same goes for portable heaters during the winter months. Heating one room is always more efficient than heating your whole home, so a space heater can be a great compromise when your goal is to keep your bedroom comfortable and the rest of the house cool.
Alternatively, you can go even more specific and heat just your bed instead of the whole room with a hot water bottle or an electric blanket — make sure you turn your electric blanket off, though, when you're not in bed!
OUR PICK: The SoftHeat Micro-Fleece Heated Blanket uses low-voltage technology to minimize energy use while keeping your bed cozy and automatically shuts off after ten hours. The ultrasoft material is pet-safe and machine-washable for easy cleaning!
You'll also want to be on the lookout for energy vampires.
No, no, we're not talking about the nighttime ghouls who show up at your window requesting entry.
We're talking about the ones that steal your energy while you sleep.
These are the devices that continue to drain power even when you think they're off or in standby mode. In the bedroom, they most commonly look like televisions, lamps, video game consoles, and alarm clocks.
One way to control these devices is to invest in smart plugs or smart power strips. These technology-enhanced plugs are equipped with additional features that allow you to control when specific devices receive power and when they don't and monitor their energy use through smart devices like your phone or tablet.
Use them to set schedules where electronics like your bedside lamps or TV shut off automatically after a particular time of night — and for alarm clocks, consider switching to your phone instead so you can stay unplugged while you sleep!
The bigger the space, the more energy it takes to heat or cool it. It's simple logic, but how do you make your bedroom smaller?
It's easier than you might think!
Closing a closet door or the entrance to your ensuite bathroom is an easy way to reduce the space your thermostat has to regulate. Plus, it can help you feel the impact of devices like a portable heater much faster!
And finally, choosing the right bedding isn't just about color and pattern — it's also about outfitting your bed for the season! Thicker duvets are ideal for the winter when you want to bundle up in a cooler room, but in the warmer months, a thinner top layer is perfect to help stay cool!
Switching up your bedding depending on the time of the year allows you to keep your thermostat set efficiently without compromising on comfort.
Making your bedroom an energy-efficient space doesn't mean you have to give up the things that help you rest. It's about making minor adjustments to your habits and space that reduce your impact on a larger scale.
We hope these seven tips have given you some fresh ideas to maximize your bedroom energy savings, one comfy night's sleep at a time!
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