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Waterbeds
Most waterbed owners underestimate the amount of energy consumed by the heating coils located under it. It is not uncommon for a waterbed to be the second largest energy user in the home.
Some simple habits can significantly reduce energy waste from waterbeds. First, keep the bed made with an insulating comforter in place. With no cover, the warm-water filled mattress radiates heat to the space unnecessarily. Although the heat may be useful in the winter, it is made with resistance electricity and is an expensive way to heat. If you operate an air conditioner in the summer, you are not only paying to heat the water bed, you are paying for the air conditioner to remove the heat from the home. Next, keep the temperature setting as low as comfortable. Finally, be sure the sides of the bed are well insulated. If they are warm to the touch, they are allowing heat to be wasted.
