How Seniors Can Lower Their Heating Bill This Winter
Seniors can open their windows during the mild days of fall and spring and enjoy fresh air. However, as the frigid winter temperatures roll around, older adults must keep their homes warm and toasty to prevent health issues, including hypothermia. This can lead to soaring utility bills, and seniors on fixed incomes are often hit the hardest.
Thankfully, there are many practical steps Scranton seniors can take to keep their homes warm while reducing their heating bills.
5 Tips to Reduce Your Heating Bill
Want to save some extra cash this winter while staying warm and cozy? Use these five simple tips to reduce your heating bill.
1. Look into Senior Assistance Programs
Many federal and state programs offer assistance to seniors in need. While not everyone is eligible, it’s worth looking into these assistance programs, such as Pennsylvania’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), and the Public Utility Commission’s Utility Assistance Programs.
2. Get Your Home Winter Ready
Scranton seniors can reduce their heating bills by taking the proper steps to winterize their homes to make them more energy efficient. Some ways to get your home winter-ready are:
- Installing weather stripping or caulk to your doors and windows to keep cold air out and warm air in
- Using a rubber or vinyl door sweep
- Sealing air leaks
- Adding insulation, especially in the basement and attic
Preventing heat from escaping keeps your home at a comfortable temperature all winter long while optimizing energy efficiency.
3. Have Your HVAC Inspected
Scheduling an annual HVAC inspection can mean the difference between cost savings and sky-high heating bills. If you haven’t done so already, book an appointment with a certified HVAC inspection company. Have the technician thoroughly inspect your unit, change the filter, and check the ducts and coils for any wear and tear.
If your HVAC system is over a decade old, you might want to consider upgrading to a newer, energy-efficient model. Be sure your new system has a high seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER, rating. This guarantees better efficiency.
4. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Believe it or not, your ceiling fans can heat your home. Reverse the fan’s direction in the winter to push warm air closer to the floor.
5. Use Sunlight to Your Advantage
During the day, open your window coverings, especially when the sun is shining. Natural light reduces the need for artificial light, allowing you to use less electricity. The sunshine will help heat your home. Just be sure to close them again as the sun sets to avoid that chilly draft that sets in after dark.
We Help Seniors Stay Cozy All Winter Long
If you or a senior loved one could use extra assistance and companionship at home this winter, we’re here to help. Our expert caregivers keep seniors throughout Lackawanna and parts of Wyoming counties warm and cozy all winter long. Reach out to our agency in Scranton at 570-800-5270 to talk with us today about how we can help.