How to keep your home warm, stay well and cut heating costs this winter

Freezing temperatures can push up bills and risk health problems. The NHS warns that keeping warm helps prevent colds, flu and more serious conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression. Older people, young children, pregnant people and those with health conditions are most at risk.

Wear several layers, thick socks and fingerless gloves if you are sitting still. Friends, family and neighbours can help by ensuring vulnerable people have food and medicines and safe access to their homes. Many councils and charities run free warm hubs in community spaces. Check for easy ways to avoid wasting heat: close radiators in unused rooms, turn off lights and appliances on standby, and open curtains by day then shut them at dusk.

Use draught excluders for doors and windows, cover keyholes and letterboxes, block unused chimneys and use rugs to warm floors. Do not draught-proof internal doors so air can circulate. Experts differ on whether to keep heating on at a low level or switch it on as needed, but a thermostat target of 18C to 21C suits most homes.

Turning the thermostat down by 1C and switching off radiators in empty rooms can save money. People with limited mobility should avoid letting rooms they use regularly fall below 18C. Use timers if your system has them and consider smart thermostats that can be controlled remotely.

Key Topics

Business, United States, Health, Energy, Winter, Home Heating, Cost Of Living