Energy-Saving Tips for Older Relatives: Keep Warm, Cut Costs, Stay Safe

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

• Use the right appliance. Electric ovens are expensive to run. A slow cooker or microwave can cost much less and suits one-pot meals.

• Match pan to hob. Using the right-sized pan saves both time and energy. Always pop a lid on to keep heat in.

• Batch cook and freeze. Making several portions at once saves on both time and power. Freeze single portions for easy reheating.

  These habits keep mealtimes affordable and reduce stress around daily cooking.

Many older people fill the kettle to the top out of habit. That extra water costs money to heat.

• Boil with Only What’s Needed: Mark the kettle with minimum and maximum fill lines or teach your parent to use a measuring cup.

• Descale Regularly: In hard-water areas, lime scale build-up can slow boil times, wasting energy. Occasional descaling helps maintain efficiency.

Winter months see a surge in heating costs. However, a few small changes can keep the home warm for less:

• Use Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs): These let you control individual radiators, focusing heat where it’s needed. If your older relative spends most of their time in the living room, the valve can be higher there and lower in rooms rarely used.

• Set the Thermostat Wisely: Reducing the thermostat by even 1°C can lead to noticeable savings, but you must balance this against comfort, especially for those susceptible to cold. A recommended range is around 18–21°C, but personal preference and health conditions vary.

• Avoid Heating Empty Rooms: Close doors to spare rooms and reduce radiators in those areas to a lower setting. This minimises wasted heat without making the entire house cold.

Heavy curtains and simple draft excluders can make a big difference in how warm a room feels. Encourage your parent to close curtains as soon as dusk falls, especially if they live in an older home with thin windows. Draft stoppers at the base of doors stop cold air sneaking in, particularly in hallways or near letterboxes. These are cheap, low-tech fixes that can help keep older relatives warm safely without touching the thermostat.

• Wash at Lower Temperatures: Modern detergents are often formulated to clean effectively at 30°C or even lower. This can significantly reduce energy usage if your older relative does frequent loads.

• Full Loads Only: Encourage waiting until there’s a full load of clothes or bedding. Running half-empty machines wastes water, electricity, and money.

• Air Dry vs. Tumble Dry: Tumble dryers can be expensive to run. If possible, drying clothes on a clothes airer near a ventilated area or outdoors is cheaper. For those who struggle with heavy wet laundry, a heated airer might be a middle ground.

If your parent’s washing machine or fridge is over a decade old, it might be worth looking at newer, more energy-efficient models. Modern “A-rated” appliances use less electricity and water. For older adults, features like large dials, simple controls, and clear displays can make daily chores easier. Some energy suppliers or local councils even offer grants or discounts for replacements. When buying, check annual energy consumption labels, even small improvements can cut running costs significantly over time.

Saving money shouldn’t mean risking damp or mould. If the home feels colder or clothes are drying indoors, check windows and corners for moisture or a musty smell. Open a window briefly to release damp air. Keeping air moving helps keep walls dry and safe.

If your parent is comfortable with basic technology,  or you can help, small gadgets can make a big difference.

• Programmed Heating: A timer or smart thermostat can heat the home only at key times (e.g., early morning and evening), avoiding continuous heating throughout the day if your parent is out.

• Smart Plugs: Some devices let you turn appliances off remotely or schedule them to run at off-peak hours, if the tariff allows.

Change can be unsettling, especially around daily routines. Introduce adjustments gently, showing how they make life easier and more comfortable. Written notes or short demos help if memory or confidence is a challenge.

Start with the easiest wins, like using full laundry loads or dropping the thermostat slightly, and build from there.

If rising energy prices are worrying your loved one, check what financial help is available. The Winter Fuel Payment, Warm Home Discount, and Cold Weather Payment can all ease the burden. Many energy suppliers also have hardship funds for those on low incomes. As a carent, you can help by gathering paperwork, checking eligibility, and making applications online or by phone. Even small grants or rebates can make a noticeable difference through colder months.

Cooking, heating, and laundry take up a big slice of any household’s energy costs. But small steps,  like careful kettle use, batch cooking, smart heating, and cooler washes,  can lead to steady savings.

The goal isn’t just lower bills. It’s a warmer, safer, and more comfortable home for your loved one.

Reviewed by Dr Jackie Gray, July 2025