4 Ways Seniors Can Save Money on Heating This Winter
Written by
Chris Adam
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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It may not always feel like adjusting the temperature in the house can make a big difference when it comes to the heating bill. But that adjustment can mean more money in the bank. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, a homeowner can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by turning the thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees from the normal setting for eight hours a day.
And many seniors living on a fixed income may be looking for other ways to save money on heating costs.
Here’s a look at how actions such as adjusting the inside temperature can help seniors save money on heating bills.
Adjust the Thermostat
As mentioned before, even a few degrees can make a big difference when it comes to heating costs. For seniors who may be away for part of the day, cutting the temperature back by a few degrees for those away hours can help big time.
But it’s important to not go too far, as that could end up costing you more in the long run. If you lower the temperature too much or even turn off your heat altogether, your home’s heating system could end up working overtime and your pipes could freeze or break, according to AARP.
Use Technology
Programmable or smart thermostats can also help seniors save money this winter. They can make it easier to automate the process of turning down the temperature when someone is away or sleeping.
Additionally, seniors could get money back from their energy company by using a smart thermostat. Per AARP, customers who use smart thermostats can sometimes receive rebates from energy companies. In some cases, customers can even get credits or money if they let their thermostats be adjusted by the company during periods of high demand.
Save Energy
Seniors may want to take a closer look at how much energy they’re using and whether they can update anything in their home to make it more efficient.
For example, check the house’s insulation. According to This Old House, insulating the attic may be one of the best ways to make a home more energy efficient. Upgrading windows and doors can also help with energy efficiency, as they can reduce drafts and keep more heat in.
Seek Assistance
For low-income individuals, there may be help available from the government for heating costs. Consider checking out more information about the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the home weatherization and energy efficiency assistance page from USA.gov.
Many cities and towns also offer community assistance programs.
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