Soaring energy costs can lead to some unexpectedly high energy bills. Electricity and other utility bills quickly add up, but there are many steps seniors can take to reduce their energy usage and save money. Encourage your senior loved one to use these tips to cut back on energy costs while being environmentally conscious.
Insulate the Home
Heating and cooling are some of the biggest causes for high energy bills, and many older homes leak precious cool or hot air through doors, windows, and walls. To reduce heating or cooling costs, seniors should consider adding extra insulation and sealants. Family caregivers who want an easy DIY project can apply pipe sealant around doors and windows themselves, or they can hire a contractor to add extra insulation in the walls. In colder areas, insulating the pipes can also help seniors save on water heating costs.
Older adults often need help applying sealants or taking other steps to insulate their homes. 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. Jefferson County, Colorado, 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.
Unplug Unused Items
Even when an electronic item is not actively being used, it can still drain power. Television sets, computers, phone chargers, and DVD players are particularly likely to raise energy costs. To save a little money each month, connect all electronic items to a power strip with a button or switch to make it easier for your loved one to turn off items without bending over to unplug them.
Upgrade and Service Appliances
Many seniors think they are saving money by using old appliances and skipping annual servicing appointments, but this can cause issues in the long run. Older appliances tend to be less energy efficient. If your loved one’s air conditioner and other appliances are not regularly maintained, they will run less efficiently and end up wasting energy.
Using energy-efficient appliances is one of the many ways older adults can manage daily tasks while retaining their independence. Older adults who need help maintaining their independence while living at home can benefit from having a home caregiver. Jefferson County, Colorado, seniors increase their chances of aging in place safely and comfortably when they have a trusted professional to rely on.
Increase Airflow in the Home
Running a fan typically uses far less energy than switching on a heater or air conditioner. Many seniors do not feel comfortable in their homes because pockets of cool or warm air get trapped in unused areas. Positioning a few fans in the right way can direct the temperature-controlled air to the right areas so seniors do not have to run their HVAC systems for long.
Wash Clothes and Dishes with Cold Water
A surprisingly high amount of energy is used simply to warm water at home. About 90 percent of the energy costs associated with doing laundry is just from warming the water. Seniors can save a lot of money by switching their appliances to use cold water instead. To make sure the clothes and dishes still get clean, seniors should rinse off plates immediately after each meal and clean clothes right after something is spilled on them.
Reducing energy costs is just one way for seniors to get some peace of mind and enjoy a high quality of life. Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them obtain this goal. Families can trust in Jefferson County, CO, home care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living a longer and healthier life. To create a customized in-home care plan for your aging loved one, call Home Care Assistance at (303) 987-5992 today.