{"id":354266,"date":"2025-11-10T14:20:41","date_gmt":"2025-11-10T19:20:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/?p=354266"},"modified":"2025-11-10T14:20:42","modified_gmt":"2025-11-10T19:20:42","slug":"fall-home-checklist-for-seniors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/insurance\/homeowners\/fall-home-checklist-for-seniors\/","title":{"rendered":"Fall Home Maintenance Checklist For Seniors"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Home Fall Preparation Tips<\/strong> &#8211; As autumn approaches, it\u2019s a smart time to prep your home for colder weather and slippery conditions. For older adults, aging safely at home is a top priority\u2014a large majority of adults 50+ say they want to remain in their homes and communities (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aarp.org\">AARP<\/a>). Remodeling interest is high (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mrcooper.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">half of homeowners<\/a>), so focus on upgrades with proven impact backed by current data: address fall hazards first (more than 1 in 4 adults 65+ report a fall each year; about 1 in 5 falls causes injury; over 3 million ED visits and \u2265800,000 hospitalizations annually; 38,742 fall deaths among adults 65+ were recorded in 2021) (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\">CDC<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/mmwr\/volumes\/72\/wr\/mm7240a3.htm\">CDC MMWR<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\">CDC Hip Fractures<\/a>). Install grab bars and improve lighting (nightlights on the bed-to-bath route), and interconnect smoke\/CO alarms\u2014working smoke alarms substantially reduce the risk of dying in a reported home fire (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/health\/aging-place-growing-older-home\">NIA<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usfa.fema.gov\">USFA<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfpa.org\/Public-Education\/Staying-safe\/Safety-equipment\/Smoke-alarms\">NFPA<\/a>). Add targeted safety tech where it prevents incidents: water\u2011leak sensors with automatic shutoff on the main, unattended\u2011cooking safeguards (stove guards or induction; cooking is the leading cause of reported home fires), and higher\u2011filtration HVAC with portable HEPA units to improve indoor air during gatherings (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfpa.org\/education-and-research\/home-fire-safety\/cooking\">NFPA<\/a>; see also insurer-backed leak mitigation from <a href=\"https:\/\/ibhs.org\">IBHS<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a href=\"#prep\">Preparing Your Home For The Fall<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#indoor\">Indoor Options<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#outdoor\">Outdoor Options<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#save\">Saving on Insurance<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#budget\">Budget-Friendly Support<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#pandemic\">Pandemic Considerations<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"prep\">Preparing Your Home For The Fall<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Cooler temperatures and falling leaves introduce slip, trip, and fire hazards. Start with a structured home safety assessment to find uneven flooring, poor lighting, bathroom risks, and heating\/CO issues\u2014an occupational therapist can tailor changes to your mobility and sensory needs (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/health\/aging-place-growing-older-home\">NIA<\/a>). For adults 65+, the burden from falls is substantial and rising\u2014CDC reports more than 1 in 4 older adults fall each year; about 1 in 5 falls results in injury; over 3 million ED visits and at least 800,000 hospitalizations occur annually; and 38,742 older adult fall deaths were recorded in 2021 (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\">CDC<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/mmwr\/volumes\/72\/wr\/mm7240a3.htm\">CDC MMWR<\/a>). Evidence supports prevention: balance\/strength exercise and physical therapy reduce fall risk (USPSTF Grade B), and selective multifactorial programs\u2014including home modifications\u2014are reasonable based on individual risk (Grade C) (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org\">USPSTF<\/a>). Risk\u2011reducing upgrades can also lower premiums: ask about documented mitigation credits (e.g., Florida windstorm credits via uniform mitigation inspection, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/STATUTES\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&#038;URL=0600-0699\/0627\/Sections\/0627.0629.html\">Florida statute<\/a>; IBHS <a href=\"https:\/\/fortifiedhome.org\">FORTIFIED<\/a> roof incentives; impact\u2011resistant roofing recognitions; seismic retrofit discounts; and California wildfire \u201chome\u2011hardening + defensible space\u201d credits required under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insurance.ca.gov\/01-consumers\/140-catastrophes\/wildfires\/safer-from-wildfires\/\">Safer from Wildfires<\/a>). When comparing carriers, review how they treat mitigation measures and protective devices (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/insurance\/homeowners\/best\/\">best home insurance<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"indoor\">Indoor Options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol><li><strong>Step up Floor and Path Maintenance<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Older-adult falls are common and serious\u2014more than 1 in 4 adults 65+ fall each year; about 1 in 5 falls leads to injury; and over 95% of hip fractures are caused by falls (over 300,000 older adults are hospitalized for hip fractures annually) (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\">CDC<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\">CDC Hip Fractures<\/a>). Reduce hazards by removing or securing throw rugs and cords; decluttering walkways; adding bright, glare\u2011free lighting (especially motion\u2011activated night lighting from bed to bath); and ensuring sturdy handrails on stairs (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/health\/aging-place-growing-older-home\">NIA<\/a>). In bathrooms, mount grab bars into studs, use non\u2011slip flooring\/mats, and consider a curbless shower with a seat and hand\u2011held wand (NIA). Set your water heater to about 120\u00b0F to reduce scald risk (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cpsc.gov\/Safety-Education\/Safety-Guides\/Home\/Tap-Water-Scald-Prevention\">CPSC<\/a>). Pair environment changes with exercise\/physical therapy, medication and vision checks, and footwear with slip\u2011resistant soles per prevention guidance (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\">CDC<\/a>). For added protection beyond traditional personal emergency response systems, consider privacy\u2011preserving presence\/fall detection using mmWave\/radar or Wi\u2011Fi sensing that can detect movement and potential falls without cameras, alongside alarms for sensory impairments (e.g., low\u2011frequency 520 Hz smoke alarms and bed shakers) (<a href=\"https:\/\/standards.ieee.org\">IEEE 802.11bf\u20112024<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usfa.fema.gov\">USFA<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/health\/aging-place-growing-older-home\">NIA<\/a>). When selecting connected devices, look for recognized cybersecurity labels such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fcc.gov\">U.S. Cyber Trust Mark<\/a> and prefer platforms that support reliable local control and interoperability (e.g., Matter 1.4) (<a href=\"https:\/\/csa-iot.org\">CSA<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\"><li><strong>Perform a Home Fire Safety Check<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Conduct a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usfa.fema.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">fire safety audit<\/a>. Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on each level; interconnect so all alarms sound together; test monthly; and include specialized alerting (low\u2011frequency 520 Hz sounders and\/or bed shakers) for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Working smoke alarms significantly cut the risk of dying in a reported home fire (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfpa.org\/Public-Education\/Staying-safe\/Safety-equipment\/Smoke-alarms\">NFPA<\/a>). Place CO alarms on each level and near sleeping areas; accidental CO exposure causes ~430 deaths and ~50,000 ED visits annually in the U.S. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\">CDC<\/a>). Cooking is the leading cause of reported home fires and injuries\u2014stay in the kitchen, keep combustibles away, and consider induction or listed stove\u2011guard\/auto\u2011shutoff devices that mitigate unattended cooking (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfpa.org\/education-and-research\/home-fire-safety\/cooking\">NFPA<\/a>). Strengthen electrical safety: use space heaters with tip\u2011over\/overheat protection, avoid overloaded circuits, and consider insurer\u2011supported electrical hazard sensing that detects arcing\/overheating signatures (<a href=\"https:\/\/newsroom.statefarm.com\/ting\/\">State Farm<\/a>). To prevent scalds, keep hot water near 120\u00b0F and use thermostatic controls where feasible (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cpsc.gov\/Safety-Education\/Safety-Guides\/Home\/Tap-Water-Scald-Prevention\">CPSC<\/a>). For lithium\u2011ion devices (e\u2011bikes, scooters, tools), use certified chargers\/packs, charge under supervision, and keep charging away from exits per safety guidance (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cpsc.gov\/Safety-Education\/Safety-Guides\/batteries\/Lithium-Ion-Battery-Safety\">CPSC<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nyc.gov\">FDNY<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"outdoor\">Outdoor Options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol><li><strong>Clean Your Gutters<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Prevent water damage and icy overflow by clearing gutters and downspouts before heavy rain and freeze cycles. Typical one\u2011time professional pricing runs about $100\u2013$250 nationally (many guides cite ~$160\u2013$180 average); 1\u2011story homes often run ~$70\u2013$200 and 2\u2011story jobs ~$95\u2013$250, with many pros pricing around $0.70\u2013$1.50 per linear foot (broader conditions can reach ~$2.50\/LF) (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/home-improvement\/gutter\/gutter-cleaning-cost\/\">Forbes<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.angi.com\/articles\/how-much-does-gutter-cleaning-cost.htm\">Angi<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thisoldhouse.com\/gutters\/reviews\/gutter-cleaning-cost\">This Old House<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thumbtack.com\/p\/gutter-cleaning-prices\">Thumbtack<\/a>). Cleaning at least twice per year is commonly recommended (spring and fall). DIY can be cheaper if you already own safe equipment; renting an extension ladder typically costs about $40\u2013$60 per day, with basic tools\/PPE adding ~$20\u2013$50 (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.homedepot.com\/c\/tool_and_truck_rental#tool-rental\">tool rental<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.consumerreports.org\">Consumer Reports<\/a>). To further reduce water\u2011related damage and indoor slip hazards, place smart water\u2011leak sensors near water heaters, under sinks, and by washing machines, and consider an automatic whole\u2011home water shutoff valve; many insurers treat these as protective devices for discounts and increasingly deploy them due to frequent non\u2011weather water losses (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/health\/aging-place-growing-older-home\">NIA<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelers.com\/personal-insurance\/home-insurance\/discounts\">Travelers<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.libertymutual.com\">Liberty Mutual<\/a>; see also <a href=\"https:\/\/ibhs.org\">IBHS<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"save\">Saving on Insurance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Renovating aging roofs and installing safety\/security features can lower premiums\u2014many discounts are statutory or widely offered when you document risk\u2011reducing upgrades. Examples: Florida law requires residential property insurers to provide windstorm mitigation credits for qualifying features (e.g., roof\u2011to\u2011wall connections, opening protection); policyholders typically verify via the state\u2019s Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection form (<a href=\"http:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/STATUTES\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&#038;URL=0600-0699\/0627\/Sections\/0627.0629.html\">FL \u00a7627.0629<\/a>; see inspection guidance via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.floir.com\/Sections\/PandC\/OtherInformation\/Residential-Property-Insurance-and-Mitigation.aspx\">Florida OIR<\/a>). Homes that meet <a href=\"https:\/\/fortifiedhome.org\">IBHS FORTIFIED<\/a> standards often receive discounts or preferred pricing in multiple states (IBHS catalogs incentives). In hail regions like Texas, many companies discount for impact\u2011resistant roofs; homeowners typically provide documentation of UL 2218 Class 4 or similar to request the credit (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tdi.texas.gov\">TDI<\/a>). In wildfire\u2011exposed areas (e.g., California), regulators require insurer\u2011filed credits for verified home\u2011hardening and defensible space under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insurance.ca.gov\/01-consumers\/140-catastrophes\/wildfires\/safer-from-wildfires\/\">Safer from Wildfires<\/a>; credits generally apply to the wildfire portion of your premium. For earthquake coverage in California, retrofit discounts typically range from 5% to 25% (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.earthquakeauthority.com\">CEA<\/a>). Carriers also commonly credit protective devices like centrally monitored smoke\/burglar\/fire alarms, whole\u2011home security, and smart water\u2011leak detection\/automatic shutoff valves\u2014check discount pages from major insurers (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.statefarm.com\/insurance\/home-and-property\/homeowners\/discounts\">State Farm<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelers.com\/personal-insurance\/home-insurance\/discounts\">Travelers<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.libertymutual.com\">Liberty Mutual<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allstate.com\">Allstate<\/a>). Flood insurance discounts are separate from homeowners: the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fema.gov\">NFIP Community Rating System<\/a> provides automatic premium reductions\u2014commonly ~5%\u201345% in Special Flood Hazard Areas\u2014for policyholders in participating communities. Auto policies also offer reliable savings: New York mandates a 10% reduction in base liability and collision premiums for three years after an approved accident\u2011prevention course (<a href=\"https:\/\/dmv.ny.gov\/tickets\/point-and-insurance-reduction-program-pirp\">NY DMV<\/a>), and Florida requires a 3\u2011year discount for drivers age 55+ who complete an approved mature\u2011driver course (<a href=\"http:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&#038;URL=0600-0699\/0627\/Sections\/0627.0652.html\">FL \u00a7627.0652<\/a>). Keep receipts, certificates, and inspection forms\u2014documentation is usually required, and some credits apply only to the peril portion of the premium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"budget\">Budget-Friendly Support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Federal programs like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/scep\/wap\/weatherization-assistance-program\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Weatherization Assistance Program<\/a> (WAP) can cut bills and make homes safer. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invested $3.5 billion to expand WAP and pilots that deliver deeper upgrades (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.energy.gov\">DOE BIL<\/a>). Under federal rules, many states serve households at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL), with eligibility tied to annually updated HHS poverty guidelines (the 2025 guidelines are now in effect) (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecfr.gov\/current\/title-10\/part-440\">10 CFR 440<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/aspe.hhs.gov\/topics\/poverty-economic-mobility\/poverty-guidelines\">HHS 2025<\/a>). DOE\u2019s current guidance sets allowable Average Cost Per Dwelling (ACPD) and Health &amp; Safety (H&amp;S) provisions in Weatherization Program Notices; consult your state\u2019s approved plan and the latest WPNs (e.g., WPN 24\u20111) for the exact ACPD cap and H&amp;S allowance that apply where you live (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.energy.gov\">WPN 24-1<\/a>; see DOE <a href=\"https:\/\/www.energy.gov\">formula grants<\/a>). WAP prioritizes households with elderly residents and typically yields persistent energy\u2011bill reductions on the order of hundreds of dollars per year, plus non\u2011energy benefits like improved safety (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/scep\/wap\/weatherization-assistance-program\">DOE WAP<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/scep\/wap\/articles\/weatherization-assistance-program-fact-sheet\">DOE WAP Fact Sheet<\/a>). For bill help, also check <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acf.hhs.gov\/ocs\/programs\/liheap\">LIHEAP<\/a>; in some states, low\u2011income rate discounts reduce utility bills substantially (e.g., California\u2019s CARE provides about 30\u201335% off electricity and gas bills) (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cpuc.ca.gov\/lowincomerates\/\">CPUC<\/a>). To lower ongoing costs, ENERGY STAR\u2013certified smart thermostats save about 8% on heating and cooling\u2014typically ~$50\u2013$120\/year for many homes\u2014and heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) use about 70% less electricity than standard electric tanks, often saving roughly $500\u2013$550\/year for a household of four at current electricity prices (~16\u201317\u00a2\/kWh) (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.energystar.gov\/products\/smart_thermostats\">ENERGY STAR<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.energystar.gov\">ENERGY STAR<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eia.gov\">EIA<\/a>). Example: if a standard electric tank uses ~4,400 kWh\/year for a family of four, a HPWH saving ~70% avoids ~3,080 kWh; at $0.165\/kWh that\u2019s about $508\/year\u2014consistent with ENERGY STAR\u2019s savings range. Simple paybacks commonly land around 1\u20134 years for smart thermostats and ~3\u20137 years for HPWHs after incentives; a federal tax credit under IRC \u00a725C can cover 30% of HPWH project costs up to $2,000\/year (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.energystar.gov\/products\/smart_thermostats\">ENERGY STAR<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.energystar.gov\">ENERGY STAR<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/credits-deductions\/energy-efficient-home-improvement-credit\">IRS 25C<\/a>). Utility spending is a major retirement expense, so these savings can materially help many 65+ households (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/cex\/tables\/calendar-year\/mean\/cu-age.htm\">BLS CEX<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pandemic\">Pandemic Considerations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Current guidance uses a layered, respiratory\u2011virus approach: stay up to date on vaccination; stay home when sick; keep rapid tests on hand and check FDA shelf\u2011life extensions; seek early treatment if eligible; improve indoor air; and use high\u2011filtration masks strategically (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\">CDC<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medical-devices\/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices\/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests\">FDA<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nih.gov\">NIH<\/a>). For indoor air, CDC\/EPA\/ASHRAE emphasize increasing clean air delivery: open windows and create cross\u2011ventilation when feasible; run bathroom\/kitchen exhaust fans; upgrade to the highest MERV your system supports (often MERV\u201113 if compatible) and run the HVAC fan more during visits; and use portable HEPA air cleaners sized to the room (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/prevent-getting-sick\/improving-ventilation-home.html\">CDC ventilation<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\">EPA<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashrae.org\">ASHRAE<\/a>). Keep well\u2011fitting N95s on hand for caregiving or crowded indoor work and use them during home visits if someone is ill (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\">CDC<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/respiratory-viruses\/prevention\/masks.html\">Types of Masks and Respirators<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"bottom\">The Bottom Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Evidence\u2011based fall and fire prevention\u2014decluttering and brighter lighting, grab bars, 120\u00b0F hot water, and interconnected smoke\/CO alarms\u2014targets the largest risks for older adults. CDC documents high and rising fall burden (\u22651 in 4 older adults fall each year; ~20% cause injury; >3 million ED visits and \u2265800,000 hospitalizations; 38,742 deaths in 2021) (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\">CDC<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/mmwr\/volumes\/72\/wr\/mm7240a3.htm\">CDC MMWR<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfpa.org\/Public-Education\/Staying-safe\/Safety-equipment\/Smoke-alarms\">NFPA<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cpsc.gov\/Safety-Education\/Safety-Guides\/Home\/Tap-Water-Scald-Prevention\">CPSC<\/a>). Routine gutter cleaning (typically about $100\u2013$250 per visit nationally, often ~$160\u2013$180 average) helps prevent water damage and slippery conditions (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/home-improvement\/gutter\/gutter-cleaning-cost\/\">Forbes<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.angi.com\/articles\/how-much-does-gutter-cleaning-cost.htm\">Angi<\/a>). Ask insurers about verifiable discounts\u2014Florida wind\u2011mitigation, <a href=\"https:\/\/fortifiedhome.org\">FORTIFIED<\/a> roofs, Texas impact\u2011resistant roofing, California wildfire home\u2011hardening\/defensible space credits, California earthquake retrofit (commonly 5%\u201325%), and community\u2011level flood savings via the NFIP CRS (~5%\u201345% in SFHAs) (<a href=\"http:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/STATUTES\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&#038;URL=0600-0699\/0627\/Sections\/0627.0629.html\">FL<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tdi.texas.gov\">TDI<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insurance.ca.gov\/01-consumers\/140-catastrophes\/wildfires\/safer-from-wildfires\/\">CDI<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.earthquakeauthority.com\">CEA<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fema.gov\">FEMA CRS<\/a>). Use WAP and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acf.hhs.gov\/ocs\/programs\/liheap\">LIHEAP<\/a> to fund efficiency upgrades, and layer in rate discounts (e.g., CARE 30\u201335%) plus devices like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.energystar.gov\/products\/smart_thermostats\">smart thermostats<\/a> (~8% HVAC savings \u2248 $50\u2013$120\/yr) and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.energystar.gov\">heat pump water heaters<\/a> (~70% less electricity vs. standard electric; \u2248$500\u2013$550\/yr savings for a family of four at ~16\u201317\u00a2\/kWh) to keep energy costs in check (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/scep\/wap\/weatherization-assistance-program\">DOE WAP<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cpuc.ca.gov\/lowincomerates\/\">CPUC<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eia.gov\">EIA<\/a>). Together, these steps bolster safety, comfort, and your budget for the season ahead.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Home Fall Preparation Tips &#8211; As autumn approaches, it\u2019s a smart time to prep your home for colder weather and slippery conditions. For older adults, aging safely at home is a top priority\u2014a large majority of adults 50+ say they want to remain in their homes and communities (AARP). Remodeling interest is high (half of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":345,"featured_media":355488,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1268],"tags":[],"post_author":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Fall Home Maintenance Checklist For Seniors | Reviews.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Fall is the perfect time to make all of those home preparations to ready yourself and your household for all of the challenges that winter brings. 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