Weatherization

Seal drafts by puting  a draft stopper along cracks beneath doors and windows.
Place movable insulation in windows to block heat gain during the summer and keep the heat indoors during the winter.  Thick curtains will  assist in this.
Caulk and weatherstrip around doors and windows to prevent air leakage.
Install inexpensive gaskets around light switches and electrical outlets to seal against air leaks.
Control your home’s inside temperature with existing curtains, drapes or blinds. Open them in the winter to let warming sunlight in and close them in the summer to keep the heat out.
Change or clean your heating/cooling unit’s filter about once a month when the unit is operating.

Water Heating

Look for and repair leaky faucets.  Check your water heater thermostat setting.  If the thermostat is set between 140 degrees F and 160 degrees For “high”, you can reduce the setting to between 110 degrees F and 120 degrees F, or “medium”, and save at least $20 a year with an electric water heater or $10 a year with gas. The lower thermostat setting can also prevent scalding.
Replace your shower head with a low-flow shower head. It can reduce the flow of water from 8 gallons to 3 gallons per minute, and save up to 4,000 gallons of water a year. Run your dishwasher and washing machine only when they are full.
Save even more hot water by using a cold water laundry detergent so you can wash and rinse with cold water. Normally only very greasy clothes need to be washed in warm or hot water.

Lighting

Replace two bulbs with one bulb that produces a similar amount of light. For instance, you could replace two 60-watt bulbs with one l00-watt bulb. However, be sure that the fixture is rated to use the higher rated bulb. Change to fluorescent lamps wherever possible by replacing the entire fixture or by changing from incandescent to compact fluorescent bulbs. The initial cost of a compact fluorescent bulb is more than an incandescent bulb, but it can last up to 12 times longer and produce less heat., which will reduce the load on your air conditioner. Keep light fixtures clean. Dust can absorb up to 20 percent of the light produced by the buld.

Cooking

Cook several foods at one time when using your oven. Prepare dishes that can be stored or frozen for later use.
Bake food in glass pans. Glass pans allow you to reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees.
Use small cooking appliances, such as deep fryers, electric skillets, toaster ovens, microwave ovens and pressure cookers. These appliances use less energy than your range or oven. Match the size of the pan to the heating element when cooking on the stove. More heat will get to the pan and less will be lost to the surrounding air. Place lids on pots when cooking to retain the heat. This will help your food cook faster and keep vitamins from going up in steam.

Winter Tips

To save energy and money during the winter, set the thermostat at about 70 degrees F during the day and at night. For older adults, it’s important to avoid the possibility of hypothermia, or lowering of the body temperature.  This condition develops when body heat is lost faster than it can be replaced and is particularly common in winter. Because hypothermia can come on gradually.  Watch for these telltale Signs: stiff muscles, shivering, puffiness in the face, or poor coordination.  If you suspect you ae suffering from hypothermaia contact your doctor immediatley!

Some tips to save energy and avoid hypothermia include:

Insulate your home properly.
Dress warmly. Cover your legs with a blanket when reading or watching TV.
Add an extra blanket at night.  Avoid prolonged exposure to the cold.  Get proper rest and drink plenty of fluids.

Summer Tips

To save energy and money during the summer, set your thermostat at 78 degrees F. In addition, guard against heat stress, which is a sudden increase in the body temperature. Heat stress can lead to heat exhaustion, heart failure or stroke, and in some cases death! Some of the warning signs to watch for include dizziness, rapid heartbeat, diarrhea, nausea, cramps, or dry skin. Blistering summers make heat stress a concern of the elderly. Some tips to save energy and avoid heat stress!
Dress in cool, loose-fitting clothes that are light in color.  Wear a hat when you are outdoors or take an umbrella to protect your head and neck.  Make use of fans; as they help to keep the air circulating and aid to remove excess body heat.  Keep physical activity to a minimum during the hottest part of the day.  Drink plenty of fluids, and check with your doctor if you notice ANY of the sighs of Heat Stress.

Energy Assistance

All states in the U.S. Have assistance for the seniors and lower income levels of our citizens. If you need assistance call any city or county official. They should be able to provide a contact for your needs.

The local “senior” centers are another source of energy assistance.

On extreme days check with your local law enforcement office to see if there is a climate shelter that is available for your use.