For seniors who live on fixed incomes, high energy bills can be difficult to manage. These expenses can be especially devastating during the warmest and coldest months of the year, when the HVAC system is constantly running. Here are a few simple tips seniors and caregivers can use to keep their energy consumption to an absolute minimum without sacrificing their comfort.
Install a Smart Thermostat
The Department of Energy says wireless thermostats save most homeowners around $400 a year. With a smartphone or tablet, you can turn the HVAC system on just before you get home instead of leaving it running all day. Some of these thermostats can also be programmed to give you reminders when it’s time to schedule a service call or change the air filters.
Some seniors may find it difficult to pay their bills and plan their finances while managing daily activities. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable elderly home care. Families trust Assisting Hands Home Care 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.
Unplug Unused Electronics
Some electronic devices continue to draw power even when they’re not being used, which can cost homeowners hundreds of dollars a year depending on how many devices they leave plugged in. An easy way to put an end to these loads is to go through all the empty rooms in the home and unplug devices that aren’t being used, such as alarm clocks, computers, radios, and televisions. Phone, laptop, and tablet chargers also need to be unplugged whenever they’re not being used.
Take Advantage of the Windows & Ceiling Fans
Pulling back curtains and opening windows at various points throughout the day can change the internal temperature of a home by quite a few degrees. During the coldest months of the year, all the windows should be covered with thick curtains whenever the sun isn’t shining directly on them. You’ll also need to make sure all ceiling fans are spinning counterclockwise during the summer and clockwise during the winter.
Seal Leaks
Most seniors need help with this project, but spending a few hours sealing leaks can cut back on energy consumption by an incredible amount. Even newer homes often have dozens of leaks around doors, windows, pipes, vents, and outlets. These openings can typically be filled in with nothing more than a caulking gun and a few tubes of all-purpose caulk.
Seniors often need help with household repairs and managing an array of daily tasks. Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a trusted provider of home care Danville seniors can depend on.
Maintain a Healthy Body Temperature
Eating plenty of lean protein, fresh produce, and complex carbohydrates can help older adults regulate their internal temperature naturally. Different deficiencies and diet-related health conditions can impact some of the natural bodily functions that keep seniors at a comfortable temperature. Seniors also need to stay properly hydrated so their skin can produce enough perspiration to keep them cool when it’s warm outside.
If your loved one wants to save money on energy, encourage him or her to maintain a consistent core temperature. Just lowering the heater by a few degrees or turning up the air conditioner can bring in big savings for electricity and gas bills.
You may feel relieved knowing your loved one has his or her utility bill under control, but he or she may also need assistance with other tasks around the house. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of senior home care. Danville Assisting Hands Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives. To create a comprehensive in-home care plan for your parent, give us a call today.