Energy Efficiency Tips for Carers Supporting Elderly Parents

Reviewed by: Dr Jackie Gray, Public Health Expert and Retired GP
(Carents Trusted Reviewer Programme – Last reviewed July 2025)

Many older people spend most of their day at home. If that home is cold or draughty, heating costs can rise fast. Older adults are often less mobile, so moving around to warm up isn’t always possible. Making the home more energy efficient keeps warmth in, bills down, and helps prevent health problems linked to the cold eg falls, pneumonia and major circulatory problems such as stroke.

• Draught excluders: Simple foam or brush-style strips around doors stop cold air sneaking in.

• Curtains and blinds: Thick or thermal-lined curtains trap heat, especially when closed at night.

• Radiator reflectors: Foil panels behind radiators push heat back into the room instead of losing it through walls.

If you can, look into these larger improvements:

• Loft insulation: Heat rises, so insulating the loft (about 270–300mm depth) can cut bills. Local councils or suppliers may offer help with costs.

• Cavity wall insulation: Filling the gap between outer and inner walls reduces heat loss. Make sure the home is suitable to avoid damp problems.

• Double or triple glazing: Expensive but effective. Check local grants for older adults or those on benefits.

Don’t worry if major upgrades aren’t possible right now. Even a few smaller steps make a real difference.

Although the EPC focuses on rentals and sales, homeowners can also choose to have an assessment done to discover potential upgrades.The EPC rates a home from A (very efficient) to G (poor). You can check your parent’s EPC online or request one if you own the property. It lists practical ways to improve efficiency, a good place to start when planning upgrades.

• Floor insulation: Older homes with wooden floors can leak warmth. Filling gaps or laying thick rugs helps.
• Internal doors: Keep doors closed in unused rooms to heat occupied spaces faster.You can also install inexpensive draught excluders along the bottom edge of internal doors if needed.
• Seal gaps: A bit of sealant around skirting boards or under doors can make rooms feel much cosier.

Lighting can represent a surprising portion of an energy bill, especially if the household uses older bulbs. Switching to LED bulbs is one of the cheapest, fastest wins.

Check the energy labels on fridges, freezers, and washing machines, if an old appliance fails, replacing it with an efficient model could save money long-term. Look for grants or discounts before buying.

• Get the boiler serviced once a year to keep it efficient.

• Check heating controls, many boilers waste energy if the pressure or settings are off.

• Smart thermostats let you adjust heat remotely and monitor use.

• Always get professional advice before major insulation work to avoid damp or condensation.

You don’t have to fix everything right away. Start small. A few quick wins draught excluders, LED bulbs, radiator reflectors can make the home warmer and reduce stress. Every step helps your parent stay comfortable and keeps bills manageable.

If you’re ready for bigger changes like insulation or new windows, always use approved professionals. Look for:

• TrustMark or Gas Safe Register certification.

• Local council recommendations or energy supplier-approved contractors.

Avoid cold callers or door-to-door offers, many target older adults. Ask for written quotes, and never agree to work on the spot. A trusted installer will check for damp, leaks, or safety issues before starting.

Taking time to find the right help protects both your parent’s safety and your peace of mind.

Reviewed by Dr Jackie Gray, July 2025