Water Beds
If you have a water bed, knowing what it costs to operate can be a real eye opener. It uses from 100 to 150 kilowatt hours a month (depending on whether you make your bed or not). A water bed can easily be one of the largest energy consumers in your home. And if you have two, it could be double trouble. Taking some steps to control these costs can help you have a more restful (and inexpensive) night’s sleep.
- Buy the best: If you’re in the market for a new water bed or mattress, research the different types. Some offer greater insulation properties which can save money on your energy bill.
- Make your bed: A king-size water bed set at 90°F (with a room temperature of 65°F), with a comforter, uses only 100 kilowatt hours per month to keep warm. On the other hand, the same bed unmade uses about 175 kilowatt hours each month to keep it warm. That means that by making your bed, you can save about 75 kilowatt hours per month.
- Invest in a thicker pad: Covering your water bed mattress with a one-inch foam pad will save energy. That’s because you can turn down the water bed heater temperature. The foam pad will keep your body away from the cold water in the bed and retain body heat, keeping you toasty all night long. Available at home improvement stores, one-inch foam pads can save you money.
- Monitor your bedroom temperature: If your bedroom temperature drops, you may spend more on your water bed heater than you would spend on your furnace heating the air in your room.
- Don’t turn it off: If you’re gone for a week or longer, lower your waterbed’s thermostat setting but don’t turn it off. It is less expensive to maintain the lower temperature than to reheat it.
