During retirement, many seniors need to stretch their budgets. Energy bills can be a large monthly expenditure, especially during the cold winter season. Here are several easy ways for seniors to reduce their energy costs.
1. Use Fans
Standing and ceiling fans use less electricity than HVAC systems, and they can be used in both winter and summer to promote optimal airflow. In the summer, use the ceiling fan on the counterclockwise setting to send unwanted hot air upward. In the winter, use the ceiling fan on the clockwise setting to send rising hot air downward. By controlling temperatures this way, seniors don’t have to rely solely on power-consuming HVAC systems.
Provide assistance if your loved one can’t figure out how to change the setting on the ceiling fan. The direction switch is usually located in the motor housing.
From changing fan settings to winterproofing the home, seniors may need help with a variety of household chores. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable homecare. Families trust Home Care Assistance to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
2. Lower the Water Heater Thermostat
Many water heaters are set at 140 degrees. While this is the default manufacturer setting, it’s rarely necessary. Turning the thermostat down to 120 degrees is unlikely to affect quality of life, and it can help retired seniors conserve energy.
3. Adjust Refrigerator & Freezer Temperatures
If the refrigerator and freezer are set at extremely cold temperatures, they’re probably using too much energy. For optimal energy efficiency, seniors should set their refrigerators to 38 degrees Fahrenheit and their freezers to 5 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Check the Vents
Many people don’t pay sufficient attention to their vents. When vents are closed or dirty, they can hamper air distribution and fail to keep rooms appropriately warm or cold. Check all the vents in your loved one’s home to make sure they’re open and working properly, and change the air filters monthly. These filters are responsible for catching dirt and pollen, but when they get too dirty, they may disrupt airflow. You can also help your loved one by purchasing the appropriate filters for his or her HVAC system.
5. Keep the Freezer Full
When freezers are full of frozen peas and ice cream cartons, they don’t have to work as hard to stay cold. Seniors should keep their freezers well stocked to cut down on energy costs. Stocking your loved one’s freezer with plenty of vegetables ensures he or she always has something healthy to eat, and it minimizes energy use.
Many older adults need help preparing nutritious meals or shopping for frozen meals to fill up their freezers. Some seniors need occasional assistance at home, and oftentimes the family members who take care of them need time away to run errands, take a nap, go to work, or take a vacation. Lincoln respite care experts from Home Care Assistance are available on an as-needed basis, giving your family peace of mind that your loved one will remain safe and comfortable while you relax or focus on other important responsibilities.
6. Reduce Oven Use
For seniors who still cook, cutting down on oven use can make a big difference in energy costs. Ovens require much more energy than microwaves and slow cookers. Instead of using the oven, your loved one should consider purchasing smaller and more energy-efficient heating devices. For example, seniors who frequently use stovetops to boil water for tea should consider using electric kettles instead.
7. Don’t Use Heat when Doing Laundry
Seniors who use warm or hot water when doing laundry often end up with hefty utility bills. By washing clothes on the cold setting, they can save some money on laundry costs.
Older adults may need more than just energy-efficient appliances to retain their independence and enjoy a high quality of life. Living alone at home in the golden years can present a few unique challenges. Trust Lincoln home care professionals to help your senior loved one maintain a higher quality of life while he or she manages an illness and performs the daily tasks of living. Call Home Care Assistance today at (916) 226-3737 to discuss how we can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is being cared for with professionalism and compassion.