Go Green - Stay Warm in Your Bedroom This Winter

This is the second installment from my Go Green & Save Some Green Series where I will share with you a few simple and effective tips on how to start becoming green around the house.

ENERGY EFFICIENT WINTER NIGHTS

It doesn't always make sense to be heating and keeping the entire house at room temperature throughout the night. Here are some ways to stay warm in your bedroom during the winter nights without running up your heating bill.

Windows
1. Seal leaks and drafts - You can check for leaks and drafts by holding a lit candle a few inches away from the window. A quick & easy way to seal most leaks and drafts is to apply rope caulk or Dap Seal 'N Peel Removable Weatherstrip Caulk around the frames [Click here to watch how]. But if you have a very drafty window, you might wish to make your own removable interior storm window.

2. Blinds - Roll them down and shut them

3. Thermal curtains - You can either purchase them at Walmart or Target. Alternatively, you can make your own. In either case, try to avoid PVC materials

Doors
1. Get doorsweepers to keep out the cold draft

Bed
1. Electric blanket - If you don't already own an electric blanket or mattress pad, get an energy-efficient one that uses 25V instead of 120V. Other features you should look out for are "pre-warm" and automatic timer shutoff. Check out FrontGate's Safe & Warm Blanket

2. Insulate your electric blanket - Tuck it underneath a duvet or another blanket to retain as much heat as possible. I have mine under my comforter and sleep over it

Thermostat
1. Program your cost savings by setting it to a lower temperature overnight. For every two degrees you lower your thermostat, you will save about four percent on your heating bill and cut your carbon emissions by about six percent. You should lower the temperature gradually over the course of a few days and raise it back up a little if you feel uncomfortable. With the furnace turning on less frequently, chances are that light sleepers will also enjoy better nights

Gear
1. Turtle-neck sweaters, Socks, Mittens - Now pile on all that warm and fluffy stuff and hit the sack!

Other Ways to Save
1. Furnace - If your furnace is more than 15 years old, it's probably time to replace it for an energy efficient one. The savings should pay for itself in less than five years. If your furnace is still good, get a tune-up if you haven't done it in a long while. Clean your furnace and replace those filters regularly. Ditch disposable air filters for permanent washable electrostatic ones. Try Naturalaire from HomeDepot which run about $20

2. Water Heater - If you have a conventional tank-style water heater, turn it down to 115-120 degrees. You probably won't notice any difference in your day-to-day but you most definitely will when the your next heating bill arrives. And when it's time to get a new water heater, definitely consider a tankless one

3. Programmable Thermostat - If you don't already have a programmable one, you should get an Energy Star compliant one now. They are inexpensive and so worth it. With a programmable thermostat, you can fall asleep snuggled up in bed under your electric blanket at say, 65F, then have the room warmed up to a toasty 75F just minutes before the alarm goes off, and later have it completely turned off while you're out

4. Insulation - If you live in an older home, you may want to have it reassessed and updated

For more ways to lower your heating bill, check out additional green tips from other associatedcontent writers here.