How Seniors Can Save Money on Heating Costs This Year

Home Care in Shelter Island

Like most things, the cost of heating has increased. Undoubtedly, that means many people, including seniors, are looking for ways to spend less on heating their homes during the winter. Seniors aging in place may be dealing with inefficient furnaces, old windows, and large homes. All of that can lead to higher heating costs. These tips can help seniors reduce energy usage and save on heating and utility costs this winter:

Close Off Rooms That Aren’t Being Used

An easy way to use less energy during the winter is to close off rooms in the house that aren’t being used. Seniors aging in place in a big family home probably have several rooms that aren’t getting used regularly. Shutting the doors and vents in those rooms can use less energy and keep the house warmer. If your senior parent has moved to a first floor bedroom and there is a bathroom on the first floor, it may be possible to close off the second floor. But even closing off just one or two rooms can help.

Hang Thermal Curtains

Thermal insulated curtains aren’t expensive, and they do a fantastic job insulating windows. They will keep the cold out in the winter and the heat out in the summer. Plus, there are all kinds of colors and styles available, so it’s easy to find stylish options that will go with the decor. Seniors with home care can get help from a home care provider hanging the thermal curtains to conserve energy. Thermal curtains in your senior parent’s bedroom will also block out light, which can improve the quality of their sleep.

Cut Down On Drafts

Many seniors live in older homes, often with drafts. Drafts from windows and doors can cause heat to leak out and cold air to leak in. Sealing up drafts with weatherstripping tape and adding door seals and draft stoppers to the bottoms of doors can significantly reduce drafts and save energy. Just make sure your senior parent uses draft stoppers that attach to the door. A home care provider can help attach them to the door with an adhesive strip. Draft stoppers that don’t attach to the door can be tripping hazards.

Get The Furnace Checked

It’s a good idea to get the furnace professionally cleaned and checked at least once a year to ensure it’s in good working order. After a professional cleaning and an air filter change, the furnace should be operating as well as it possibly can. This will use less energy and help keep energy costs down. Many furnace repair companies offer special low rates for cleaning and air filter change. So it’s very affordable to have a professional furnace check up done.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Shelter Island, NY, call the caring staff at Artful Home Care today at 631-685-5001.