NextVolt Energy is quickly becoming the most-trusted electricity provider in Texas because we see no value in gimmicky energy plans and unreliable support. Instead, we add value with great rates, simple plans and blog series like this one on energy efficiency around the home. We’re most passionate about reducing your electric bills and making life in Texas as affordable as possible.
We all spend a lot of time in our home, the bedroom in particular. This hikes up our electricity bills, and we often accept the figures we owe at the end of each month. Well, it doesn’t have to be like this. This blog series covers home energy efficiency tips in the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and living room, allowing you to take control of your energy costs.
Lighting
We’ll begin with an element that applies to every room, but especially the bedroom where lamps and vanities can cost plenty. Switching these bulbs to energy-saving LED or CFL light bulbs can save dozens of dollars per year – a seemingly small dent but enough to make a difference.
A more obvious energy efficiency tip in the bedroom is to only have the lights on when someone is in the room. It’s also helpful to avoid having ceiling lights on at the same time as the bedside lamp.
Heat Management
For many people, getting the temperature right in the bedroom is key to a good night’s sleep. Too hot and you’re sweating until the early hours. Too cold and no amount of blankets will help you get to sleep.
As experts in energy conservation, we have to argue that lowering the thermostat and rugging up is the better option in the winter. While this may not always be feasible in the cold depths of the season, on most nights a few blankets, a sweater, and a cup of tea should be all you need to save on electricity.
Well-insulated windows are another great way to reduce the need for heating or cooling in your bedroom. Double-glazed windows create a layer of air between your bedroom and the outside world, stopping the weather from having such an effect on your home’s temperature.
If your windows are double-glazed, tinted, and insulated, and you still can’t maintain the perfect temperature, consider buying a nice rug. Simple floor insulation like a rug blocks drafts and keeps your feet warmer than any floorboards or tiles ever could. Humans lose the most heat through our head, hands, and feet, so wearing socks and walking on rugs and carpets can make a great difference to the amount of heat required.
Ceiling Fan
Depending on your air conditioner’s energy efficiency, ceiling fans can use anywhere between 50–90% less energy than an AC. Did you know you can change the direction in which your ceiling fan spins? You might be wondering why this is possible or necessary.
When it’s cold, a clockwise ceiling fan will suck cool air up and away from you, mixing with hot air from the ceiling and returning back down at a warmer temperature. Just make sure to turn the fan off when no one’s in the room as most of the effect of a ceiling fan is from wind chill factor, offering no purpose to an empty room.
Once you start implementing these tips, you’ll start saving both energy and money. Stay tuned for more tips from our home energy efficiency series. Reach out to the NextVolt team if you need additional advice, and we’ll gladly help you out.