Ways to Help Lower Your Parent’s Heating Bill

One of the things that many caregivers do for older adults is to help them manage their finances. If you’re a caregiver to someone who is on a fixed income, that can mean trying to stretch money to cover all your parent’s needs. During the winter months, that can be more difficult because of higher heating bills. However, there are ways you can help your parent to reduce their monthly heating bill. Below are some tips that can keep the house warm while keeping costs low.

Caregiver in Comstock Park MI: Lowering Your Parent’s Heating Bill

Take Advantage of Sunshine.

Heat from the sun costs nothing, and it’s available year-round. Even when it’s cold outside, the sun’s rays can warm up rooms. Remind your parent to open their blinds or curtains during the day to let sun naturally heat the house. When the sun starts to go down, they should close them again to keep heat from escaping.

Seal Up Leaks.

Cold air can get in through leaky windows and doors. Replace worn weather stripping around doors and windows. Also, consider covering windows with plastic to keep out the cold. You can purchase a window covering kit at most hardware stores. Covering a window isn’t difficult, but it does take some time and is easier with two people. Caregivers may need to help seniors apply the plastic.

Use a Programmable Thermostat.

Programmable thermostats can automatically adjust the temperature in the house according to the time of day. Caregivers can help seniors set the thermostat to reduce the temperature at night while they are sleeping and turn it back up in the morning. Lowering the temperature between 10 and 15 degrees at night can lower energy bills by 10 percent.

Maintain the Furnace.

Have the furnace checked before it is used each year. Not only can this keep your parent safer, it can also keep the furnace running efficiently, lowering the heating bill. A tune up costs only around $100 but can save up to 10 percent. Furnace filters should also be changed on a regular basis.

Encourage Bundling Up.

While you don’t want to keep the house too cool as it could be dangerous for your parent, lowering the temperature in the house a few degrees throughout the day will save money. Instead of turning up the heat, encourage your parent to wear sweaters and warm socks. Caregivers can help encourage bundling up by ensuring the senior has plenty of warm, soft sweaters and socks and placing throw blankets in the living room where they are in easy reach.

If you or someone you know needs help with caregiver services in Comstock Park, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.

Sources

https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/slideshows/10-ways-to-lower-your-heating-bill

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/10-ways-to-shrink-your-energy-bills

https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/fall-and-winter-energy-saving-tips

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Gauthier Family Home Care

Owner at Gauthier Family Home Care

Call (616) 258-2300. Gauthier Family Home Care exists to provide options for our clients to retain their independence in their own homes, improve their quality of life and support their extended families. We will accomplish that by providing compassionate, professional caregivers who will nurture, stimulate, and cater to each client’s specific needs without fail.

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