A common suggestion for lowering electric bills is to shut off lights more often. However, many older adults can benefit from ample lighting to illuminate potential tripping hazards, so you don't want to go too dark. Keeping your home bright can prevent falls, but it can also run up your power bill. You can get the best of both worlds by swapping out your bulbs for energy-efficient options like LEDs.
It's an easy switch that anyone can do on lamps and overhead light fixtures. LED bulbs also tend to last longer than incandescent bulbs, which saves you even more money over time. Ask for help to change the bulbs in overhead lights to prevent a fall. If you climb a ladder to change the light bulbs, ensure it's stable and secure before climbing it.
Adjusting your thermostat settings could save you money on your power bills. A temperature adjustment of 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit from your normal settings for 8 hours daily could drop your bills by 10% for the year. Even more modest adjustments could save you money on your power bills while helping you stay safe and healthy.
In the summer, set the thermostat higher and dress in cool clothes or use fans to cool off. During the winter months, layer up with cozy clothes and throw blankets to stay warm. Space heaters offer additional energy-efficient warmth, but use them as instructed. You should never leave a space heater on unattended.
When making the temperature adjustments, keep your home at a safe, comfortable temperature. Older adults are often more vulnerable to extreme temperatures, especially excessive heat. Setting the thermostat too high could expose you to heat-related problems.
Well-maintained HVAC systems and appliances work more efficiently to lower your energy costs. An easy way to take care of your heating and cooling system is to replace or clean the air filter regularly. For many systems, that means handling filter maintenance about every 3 months. However, that time might be longer or shorter depending on the type of filter and your home environment. A dusty home with pets often requires more frequent filter maintenance since the airborne contaminants can clog the filters faster.
Routine professional tune-ups also keep the equipment operating at peak efficiency. Professionals typically recommend furnace and AC maintenance at least once per year. During the appointment, they check all the parts, tighten connections and clean and lubricate parts to keep things moving smoothly. If you notice any of your appliances operating differently, call an appliance repair company to check on it. The issue could make the appliance less efficient, leading to higher utility bills.
If you're a homeowner, you can make repairs and upgrades to your home to make it more energy-efficient. Examples include adding insulation, repairing cracks and adding weather stripping to your doors. Look for drafts and leaky areas that make your heating and cooling system work harder. If you don't have obvious gaps or leaks, you could still benefit from sealing and insulating areas such as electrical outlets and attic doors.
If you rent, you can still make little changes to help. Ask your landlord to handle maintenance requests like adding weather stripping or fixing damage. You can also place draft blockers along doors and windows. Hanging heavy insulated drapes can improve the efficiency of your home by blocking some of the cold or hot outdoor air.
The way you use your windows can impact your power bills. Opening your window coverings during the day lets in lots of natural light so you don't have to use lamps or overhead lights as much. Sunlight can also boost your mood and help you see more clearly than artificial light, which can be helpful for seniors with vision issues.
You can also help keep your home at a comfortable temperature based on your activities. Opening your window coverings during the day in the winter lets in sunlight, which helps warm your home. You can also bake during the day to warm up your home. In the summer, you might keep your blinds closed when the sun is shining directly in the windows to help keep your home cooler. Avoiding baking and other heat-generating activities in the summer gives your AC a break.
When you move into an assisted living apartment, such as those at Broadmoor Court in Colorado Springs, you don't have to worry about utility bills. All your utilities, except your phone, are included. Having a predictable monthly fee that includes all your expenses makes budgeting easier. Plus, you get extra services and amenities with your assisted living apartment, such as medication management, assistance with your personal needs and pharmacy services. Wrapping all those services into one can significantly lower your overall costs.
