Winter energy tips for seniors to stay warm for less

(NC) As the air turns brisk, many Ontarians turn to their furnaces to keep their homes warm. For seniors, this time can also bring added financial pressure as they balance the rising cost of living with monthly expenses, including their natural gas bills, often on a fixed income.

A few simple steps can help seniors use energy more efficiently and keep their bills more manageable during the colder months. Here are some tips from the energy experts at Enbridge Gas:

Start with the thermostat. Lowering the temperature slightly when you are sleeping or away from home can help reduce your energy use. If you’re able, switching to a programmable or smart thermostat can let you make automatic temperature adjustments, so that you’re not using heat when you don’t need it, such as late at night or when you’re away.

Look after your heating system. A well-maintained furnace can operate more efficiently, which saves money. That’s why it’s important to have your furnace serviced by a qualified HVAC professional once a year. By replacing or clean furnace filters as recommended by the manufacturer, you can help keep your system running at its best.

Choose energy-efficient lighting. You can replace frequently used bulbs with LEDs, which use much less energy and are a practical option during winter when there’s less natural light to rely on. It’s also important to turn off the lights when you leave a room—this helps save energy and extends their lifespan.

Use less hot water. Try taking a shorter shower, wash clothes in cold water when possible and run the dishwasher only when it is full. Reducing hot water use can help lower your overall household energy consumption.

While you’re focusing on staying warm, your energy provider also works behind the scenes to help manage the cost of delivering reliable natural gas. Natural gas is bought and stored when demand and prices are lower, then delivered on the coldest days when homes and businesses need it most. This helps provide affordable, reliable energy so you can focus on staying safe and warm at home.

For seniors concerned about energy costs, small changes around the home can add up to real savings. There are also energy-efficiency programs or financial assistance that may be available to eligible households. You can find additional money-saving tips this winter at enbridgegas.com.