Shorts and t-shirt season may feel like it was just last week but a plunge in temperatures over the last week has meant it’s time to dig out the jumpers and coats.
It may only be mid-September but the recent bout of rain and wind has made the air feel distinctly chilly, and some households may have already decided to whack their heating on. The autumn season is when the days become shorter, darker and increasingly colder, and with a clocks change fast approaching, it’s not unreasonable to start running your heating this month. While it may be tempting to hold off reaching for that thermostat just yet and avoid blasting the heating to save some money on your energy bills, it’s worth bearing in mind that there is a minimum temperature your home should be kept at during the colder months to help you stay healthy.
According to the NHS, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Age UK, your home should be heated to at least 18C to protect against the cold this September. This is particularly important for those aged 65 or over, those with health conditions, such heart or lung disease, and those who aren’t very mobile.
Keeping your home at a warm temperature can help to fend off nasty winter bugs, including colds, flu and Covid, as well as more serious health problems like pneumonia, heart attacks, strokes and depression.
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 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.
The NHS says: “Heat your home to at least 18C (65F), if you can, you might prefer your living room to be slightly warmer. Remember to keep your window closed on winter nights as breathing in cold air can be bad for your health because it increases the risk of chest infections.
“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.”
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.