As we head into winter you might be starting to think about what you can do to look after yourself and protect your health. When temperatures start to drop we reach for warmer clothes and spend more time indoors. We think about eating healthily and increasing our intake of vitamins in the hope that this will protect us from dreaded winter colds and coughs. In short, we do our best to safeguard our physical health while we wait for the warmer days of spring.
But it’s not just our bodies that need protection from the elements during winter. Our houses need protection too, because a healthy house equals a healthy body. If your house is too cold this winter it will struggle to keep you warm and well. Beyond the heath of its inhabitants, the health of a house itself can be affected by inadequate heating. Mould, damp and excess condensation are likely to become a regular feature of homes that are too cold and over time this can cause significant health and maintenance problems for homeowners and tenants. The fabric of your home relies on warmth for the preservation of its health.
Cold homes are linked to a wide range of health problems, including respiratory conditions (like asthma), arthritis, pneumonia and an increased likelihood of mental health issues. Children and young people are particularly likely to suffer from the mental health-related effects of cold homes, with a cold living environment leading to poor long term health outcomes and even impacting their experience and achievement at school. A warm house is more likely to keep the whole family feeling happy, safe and anxiety-free over winter.
Here are some things you can do to ensure you stay ‘Home Healthy’ this winter
- Keeping your house warm is key. When your house is warm, you’re far less likely to suffer from poor physical and mental health. Warming your home also ensures the health of the building itself, keeping problems like mould and damp at bay.
- Make sure you have a programmable thermostat and that you know how to use it! Setting your heating to come on 15-30 minutes before you need it and to go off an hour before you go to bed will ensure your house stays nice and warm and you don’t pay for more energy than you need.
- You lose a third of the heat from your home through the walls, so make sure they’re properly insulated. Our adviceline can help you figure out whether you would be eligible for support with insulating your home. Call us on 0800 500 3076, where our advisors will help.
- Draught-proofing is a small task that can have a big impact on the warmth of your home. Start by checking doorframes, floorboards, letterboxes and windows for any sneaky gaps where cold air might be coming in.
- Have a look at our Heating Guides to find out how to use your heating system most efficiently.
If you’re struggling to heat your home this winter, we’re here to help
If you’re worried about keeping your house and your family healthy and warm during winter there is support available.
- Speak to one of our Warm and Well advisors for advice on a range of energy topics, such as simple changes you can make to save money and grants that might be available for insulation. Call us for free on 0800 500 3076.
- If you’re struggling to manage or understand your bills – especially in the face of rising prices – and are worried what this winter will hold, our Energy Advocates have your back. If you don’t know where to start and are battling with anxiety produced by your home energy they will help you feel in control. Use the links above to find out the best way to get in touch with the advocacy team in your area.
- There are other local organisations that offer support and advice for anyone struggling to keep their home healthy and warm during winter. In North and West Gloucestershire, the Citizens Advice Bureau offer a range of help, including on welfare support and debt advice. In Herefordshire, the Community Foundation provide assistance through their Surviving Winter Fund, which makes grants of up to £300 to households struggling to meet the cost of their winter fuel. Contact our Keep Herefordshire Warm team on 0800 677 1432, who need to apply on your behalf.
Keeping your home warm this winter is key to maintaining your health and the health of the building. There are some simple ways you can make sure your house provides a safe and healthy living environment during the colder months that will protect the building against the worst effects of winter too. Remember that if you’re struggling to keep your home warm this winter, Warm and Well are here to help.
