The autumn season is now in full swing which means shorter days, darker nights and chillier temperatures.
While the weather is still warm enough to put off digging out your winter coat just yet, it is starting to feel cooler in the early morning and late evening, which means some households may already be running the heating. It can be tempting to put off switching on the heating for as long as possible to save money on energy bills, but there is an important reason to run your heating in the colder months, other than to stay warm. By heating your home, this helps to fend off an array of nasty winter bugs, like colds, flu and Covid, as well as more serious health conditions.
According to the NHS, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Age UK, your home should be heated to a minimum of 18C during winter to help you stay healthy and protect against the cold. This is especially important for those aged 65 and over, those with health conditions, and those who aren’t very mobile.
As such, the NHS recommends setting your thermostat at a minimum of 18C to heat the rooms you use most often, such as your living room and bedroom. Meanwhile, families with babies are advised to heat rooms between 16C and 20C while little ones sleep to minimise the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
The NHS says: “Keeping warm over the winter months can help to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.
“Heat your home to a temperature that’s comfortable for you. If you can, this should be at least 18°C in the rooms that you regularly use, such as your living room and bedroom. This is particularly important if you have a health condition. It’s best to keep your bedroom windows closed at night.”
The health service also suggests drawing your curtains at dusk to help lock in heat, keeping doors closed to block any draughts and closing bedroom windows at night.
To ensure heat doesn’t escape, you should use draught excluders to seal any gaps around windows and doors, and make sure any radiators in your home aren’t blocked by furniture or curtains.
Other cheap and easy ways to stay warm include wearing several layers of thinner clothing, as this will keep you warmer than one thick layer, and having plenty of hot food and drinks to keep your body temperature up.
Exercise is also advised as this will not only keep you healthy, but it can help warm you up over the colder months. The NHS recommends moving around at least once every hour.
The NHS adds: “Be smart and energy efficient: To ensure that heat doesn’t escape your home, fit draught proofing to seal any gaps around windows and doors making sure you have loft insulation if necessary. If you have cavity walls, make sure they are insulated too.
“Don’t forget to draw curtains at dusk and to make sure your radiators are not obstructed by furniture or curtains.”