As you get older, it is important to stay warmer during the winter, but at the same time, you will want to remain safe. The cost of heating a home is expensive, but you can find ways to save money throughout the winter while also remaining comfortable. Here are some tips that are recommended by experts for keeping a home safe and warm.
1. Schedule a Home Energy Assessment
Many utility companies will offer a free home assessment and make recommendations to help reduce your home electric and heating bills. During a visit to your home, the technician will check for problems including furnace function, look for holes and crevices where the warm climate-controlled air can escape and check a home’s water heater to determine if it is an energy-efficient model.
They can provide a set of recommendations to help you keep your home warm more efficiently. As a bonus, you might receive free devices that include more efficient LED light bulbs or low-flow showerheads and discounts on “smart” thermostats that can better regulate the temperature in your home.
2. Adding Insulating Devices to a Home
If your home is poorly insulated, having additional insulation materials added to the attic, basement or wall spaces, helps to keep you warmer along with reducing your energy bills each month. To have a warm shower or bath, place a special insulating blanket around your home’s water heater. Doing your own insulation work is not recommended, so look for local professionals. If cost is an issue, there may be weatherization assistance programs in your area that offer free or low-cost home insulation programs.
3. Heated Mattress Pads and Electric Blankets
To stay warm while sleeping, you can buy an electric blanket or heated mattress pad for your bed. Make sure to use new heated mattress pads and electric blankets that are made in a safe manner, and make sure you don’t overload your electrical outlets with too many devices or appliances. Also, avoid having numerous electrical cords across the floor because this can lead to dangerous falling injuries.
4. Cover the Floors with Carpets or Throw Rugs
If you keep the floors in a home covered with throw rugs or carpets, then it is a warmer place to live. While installing carpeting, make sure that the items are properly secured so that you won’t trip and fall. For throw rugs, use a slip-resistant pad or choose a rug with slip-resistant backing materials.
5. Use Heavy Curtains or Draperies
Hang heavy curtains or draperies over the windows in your home to keep out any drafts throughout the winter. During the day, you can open the draperies to enjoy the sunlight and to help make the room warmer. In the evening, close the draperies again to have a warmer home. It is possible to find heavy draperies on clearance at many stores, helping you to have a warm and safe home.
6. Dress in Layers
It is essential to dress warmly in multiple layers of clothing, including thick sweaters and socks. Many senior citizens like to wear fleece sweatshirts and pants during the day, and these items can also keep you warm at night. For additional warmth, you can layer these garments with T-shirts or thermal long underwear.