With winter getting closer, many of us are beginning to worry about shorter days and colder weather. The current cost-of-living crisis, which includes higher food and fuel prices, means many of us may be worrying about keeping warm this winter. We have created a list of 6 ways to stay safe and warm.
The Dangers of Cold
The human body needs to remain at a healthy temperature to function properly. For most people, this temperature is about 37°C. If the body dips below this temperature, it struggles to perform basic tasks. This can lead to serious health complications, including an increased vulnerability to conditions such as flu. It can also increase the risk of falls.
Cold homes increase the chance of illness and death. On average, most rooms in a house are about 20°C. This is enough for most people, as the body will naturally boost its own temperature. However, when temperatures outside drop, room temperature drops with it as our homes lose heat. If we cannot afford to put on the heating, it’s important to consider other methods of retaining heat and keeping warm.
Homes are at the greatest risk of becoming too cold when outdoor temperatures drop below 6°C.
Methods of Keeping Warm
In the current economic climate, it’s important that we find ways to save our pennies. Energy costs are predicted to reach an average of £2,500 this winter, making heating our homes an expense many cannot afford. Therefore, it is important to have methods of keeping warm that won’t break the bank. The following tips could save you from turning up your heating this winter.
Close Doors
Keeping our homes warm is often a matter of containing what heat there already is. However, it is well-known that heat rises. To contain this heat, it’s important to trap it. If you or a loved one are spending a lot of time in a single room, it’s worth closing all doors in the house. This provides less routes for heat to travel, keeping it contained where it is already present.
Some homes will be more effectively insulated than others. A thick, heavy door is likely to trap heat more effectively than lighter doors. However, every closed door will help to keep heat in your home.
Prevent Draughts
Draughts are leading contributors to cold homes. Draughts occur where cold air enters a home through gaps in doorways or windows. To keep a home warm, it’s important to block any sources of draughts that can be identified. A purpose-made draught excluder or homemade alternative can effectively block draughts under doors or around windows.
There are some other measures you can take to help with keeping your home warm without putting the heating on. Replacing draught sealing on exterior doors can help to further insulate your home. You could also consider hanging thick floor-to-ceiling curtains in front of your door to further block draughts. Also consider thicker curtains for your windows. Another tip is to cover your keyhole or block your letterbox, as these are other gaps that can let in draughts.
Cover Your Floor
This tip is more relevant for people with wood, tile, or laminate floors, as these tend to lose heat fast and become cold. As a result, you or your loved ones are more likely to lose heat when walking on these flooring types.
Wearing socks – or even double socks – can help to insulate your feet from the cold. However, if you can afford to do so, consider purchasing a rug to place over your floors. This can help to trap more heat in your home and will add an extra later between your feet and the cold.
Improve Radiator Efficiency
If it does become necessary to turn on your heating, it’s important that it is operating as efficiently as possible. This can help save you some money. One of the first things you or your loved ones should do is bleed the radiators to ensure they are working effectively. British Gas have provided a guide for bleeding a radiator.
This isn’t the only thing you can do to improve the efficiency of your radiators. A popular trick making the rounds on social media is to stick some foil to the wall behind your radiator. This will reflect heat into the room, reducing the amount of heat lost through your walls.
Insulate Your Drinks
A warm drink can help to chase away the cold. However, the temperature boost is only short-lived, and your hot drinks can soon go cold. By making your hot drinks last longer, you can increase the duration of their benefits. The question, then, is how do you do this?
Use thermal travel mugs instead of regular cups or mugs. These will hold heat for longer and could help you make a hot drink go further. Not only will this mean more time spent keeping warm with your drink or some warm soup, but it could also reduce how often you need to boil the kettle, saving money on your energy bill.
Stay Active
We recognise that for some people, keeping active can be a challenge. However, moving around is an effective means of keeping warm. Even just walking around the house can help get blood flowing around the body, which boosts your internal temperature. The greater the intensity of your activity, though, the more heat you will produce.
Of course, staying active is dependent on your fitness and energy levels. Ensure you are eating three meals a day to get enough nutrition. There are also plenty of exercises suitable for people with limited mobility or health conditions. For example, you may want to attempt something like chair yoga to keep yourself moving.
Support with Winter Finances
There are several government programs in place to support people through the cost-of-living crisis. Eligibility will vary depending on your circumstances.
All households across England, Scotland, and Wales will receive a £400 grant to cover the cost of energy bills. This grant is being paid over a six-month period, starting in October, so is not provided as a lump sum. This grant should be provided automatically.
Means-tested benefits claimants are eligible for a £650 payment to cover the rising cost of living. This payment will be added to the benefits you already receive and is being split into two lump sums.
Some people on certain disability benefits will have received a £150 benefit top-up to help cover increased costs. This should have been included in your benefit payment.
People over the state pension age between 19th and 25th September 2022 can apply for the Winter Fuel Payment. This year, the amount received has been increased to provide extra support with the cost-of-living crisis.
Careline365: Help When You Need It
We recognise that these are difficult times for people across the UK. Keeping warm is already enough of a worry without thinking about your own safety at home. A personal alarm from Careline365 provides peace of mind that help is available if it’s needed. Simply press the button on your pendant or base alarm and our 24/7 Care Team will arrange help on your behalf.
To find out more about the Careline365 alarm service, read our helpful guide or view our products. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team by calling 0800 101 3333.
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