Staying warm in winter

Keeping warm over winter months can help prevent colds, flu or more serious health problems like pneumonia. Find out some simple things you can do to keep warm and stay healthy and make the best use of your heating at home.

Heating your home

To keep warm at home during the day try to:

• heat your main living room to around 18-21°C (64-70°F) and the rest of the house at least 16°C (61°F)
  
• heat all the rooms you use in the day 
  
• make sure you keep your living room warm throughout the day and heat your bedroom before going to bed
  
• set the timer on your heating to come on before you get up and switch off when you go to bed
  
• in very cold weather set the heating to come on earlier, rather than turn the thermostat up, so you won’t be cold while you wait for your home to heat up
  

To keep warm at home during the night you should:

• try to keep the temperature above 18°C (65°F) in your bedroom overnight
  
• open the window or door a little at night for ventilation if you use a fire or heater in your bedroom during winter
  
• never use an electric blanket and a hot water bottle together as you could electrocute yourself
  
• check what type of electric blanket you have – some are designed only to warm the bed before you get in and should not to be used throughout the night
  
• make sure your electric blanket is safe to use by getting it tested every three years - the Fire Brigade, Trading Standards and Age UK can test your electric blanket for safety

Keeping the heat in your home with insulation

Insulation makes your home warm and healthy and will also help to keep your heating costs down. It’s a good idea to:

• fit draught-proofing to seal any gaps around windows and doors
  
• make sure your loft has at least 10–11 inches (270mm) of insulation, any home with 4 inches (100mm) or less should have it topped up
  
• make sure wall cavities are insulated
  
• insulate your hot water cylinder and pipes

For more information on installing insulation and to find an approved National Insulation Association (NIA) installer in your area, telephone 0845 163 63 63 or visit their website.

You may also be able to get financial help to insulate your home. Read the article 'Help with heating your home' to find out more.

Financial help for heating your home

You may also be able to claim financial help with heating your home, including:

• Winter Fuel Payment
• Cold Weather Payment
• Heating Rebate scheme
• Warm Front scheme

Stay healthy this winter

There are things you can do that will reduce the risk of illness and protect you against the cold.

Get an annual flu jab

You can get a free jab if you:

• have serious heart, lung or kidney disease or diabetes
  
• have a weak immune system, caused by disease or medical treatment
  
• have had a stroke or TIA (transient ischaemic attack)
  
• are aged 65 years or over
  
• are pregnant

Contact your GP or talk to your pharmacist if you think you might qualify for a free flu jab.

Eat well

Eating regular meals will help keep your energy levels up during winter. Try to:

• have plenty of hot food and drinks
  
• plan your meals and keep your diet as varied as possible
  
• aim to include your daily 5 portions of fruit and vegetables, this includes tinned and frozen fruit and vegetables

Stay active

Exercise is good for your overall health and it can keep you warm in winter. Even a small amount of exercise can bring health benefits. If possible, try to move around at least once an hour.