Bedroom

Courtesy of energystar.gov

Your bedroom can be both comfortable and energy efficient.

Bed-Side Lamp
Replace fixtures and bulbs with ENERGY STAR qualified lighting products.

Lighting is one of the easiest places to start saving energy. Replacing your five most frequently used light fixtures or the bulbs in them with ENERGY STAR qualified lights can save more than $65 a year in energy costs. ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures feature stylish designs and are available in a variety of models of lamps and fixtures. ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) provide high-quality light output, use less energy and last up to 10 times longer than standard incandescent light bulbs, saving money on energy bills and replacement costs.

Light Switch
Remember to always turn off your lights when leaving a room.

Room Air Conditioner
Considering purchasing a room air conditioner? Consider an ENERGY STAR qualified model. They use at least 10 percent less energy than standard models.

• In the winter, be sure to insulate room air conditioners from the outside with a tight-fitting a/c unit cover, available at your local home improvement center or hardware store. This keeps heated air from escaping outside. Alternately, you can remove the window unit in the winter months to prevent energy losses.
• Be sure the window unit fits tightly in the window so outdoor air is not getting in.
• Large window a/c units should have their own separate electrical circuit so the system is not over-loaded.

View purchasing tips from Energy Star. And remember, proper sizing is important for room air conditioners too!

Window Sealing
During the winter months, replace your screens with storm windows to provide an extra barrier to the cold outside air. Caulk and weather-strip around windows and door frames that leak air. If replacing windows, choose ENERGY STAR qualified models designed for your area, and save $20-$95 each year in energy costs. With proper installation to ensure all gaps are sealed around them, ENERGY STAR qualified windows can help improve your comfort, cut drafts, and reduce fading of interior furnishings.

Home Sealing
Besides your windows, sealing your home's entire envelope is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce your energy bill and improve your comfort. Home sealing reduces uncomfortable drafts and helps avoid moisture problems by sealing holes, cracks, and gaps. Done right, home sealing could save you up to 10 percent on your home energy bill. You can seal your home yourself with help from our Guide to ENERGY STAR Home Sealing (2MB), or hire a contractor for professional services.

Ducts
Keep air registers and vents clear to allow air to flow freely throughout the room.

TV/DVD
Look for the ENERGY STAR logo on consumer electronics products. Qualified products use less energy without sacrificing quality or performance.

Consumer electronics play an increasingly larger role in your home's energy consumption, accounting for 15 percent of household electricity use. Many consumer electronics products use energy even when switched off. Electronics equipment that has earned the ENERGY STAR help save energy when off, while maintaining features like clock displays, channel settings, and remote-control functions.

Learn about the environmental impact of consumer electronics and what you can do to help.

Outlets
Unplug any battery chargers or power adapters when not in use.