The Importance of Keeping Warm This Winter

Keeping our homes at a comfortable temperature throughout the year isn’t easy without some care and attention to the details. The benefits of a warm home are many, more seriously though a cold home can lead to health problems. If you live in an unheated or poorly heated home it’s important to understand the risks and what can be done to remove them, here are some tips on keeping warm this winter.

When we are cold for longer periods our bodies reduce the production of antibodies and our immune systems weaken. This increases the chance a virus will be able to establish itself into an infection. This can be much more serious for the older generation and all efforts should be made to avoid this.

When houses are cold condensation can form on the insides of walls and windows. If this is allowed to continue for a period of time the damp will provide a perfect breeding ground for mould and its spoors. These mould spoors can cause serious respiratory problems when they are inhaled. Sensitivity will vary between individuals, some being particularly sensitive. Allergic reactions to mould can develop over time and include both touching the mould as well as inhaling its spoors. This can lead to Sneezing, itching, watery eyes, eczema and Asthma attacks.

Cold homes can cause their occupants to suffer poor circulation. The constant exposure to lower than optimal temperatures cause poor circulation by narrowing blood vessels. This can lead to serious circulatory diseases. This is one of the reasons mortality rates in the elderly are higher during winter. Coldness in the home can cause serious circulatory diseases, which is one of the reasons why mortality rates are much higher, especially for elderly people, during the Winter months.

Being cold, especially in your home can have a negative effect on your mental resiliency. Being cold can affect your mood and bring down your energy levels, affect mental capacity and even memory.

Keep your family warm and happy by addressing the issues that leave your home cold. To prevent mould in your home keep it well ventilated. After a shower, for example, open the window or operate the extract fan to get rid of extra moisture and steam in the air. In the winter months, this extra moisture is noticeable as condensation on your windows and even walls. When redecorating problem areas use mould inhibiting paint. Some moisture may not be coming from the air in our homes but from a leak. Ensure all damp patches and leaks are investigated and fixed. Leaks may come from the roof, rising from the damp course or plumbing issues.

Avoid health issues associated with cold homes by keeping the rooms you are using warm. A modern boiler installation is likely to be a great start, providing efficient conversion of our countries lowest cost per Kw heating fuel. Along with a boiler installation, it is important to look at how the system is controlled so you are not paying to heat unused areas of your home. Use your heating on a timer or smart control so you can ensure your home is warm before you arrive. An efficient boiler is a must so make sure you keep on top of things like boiler maintenance and possibly think about a new one if your one isn’t working as you would like.

Ensure your home is insulated to the best standards. Insulation in your walls, lofts and floors is a purchase once product. Once you have it installed it will improve the insulation in your home forever. This not only leads to warmer more comfortable homes but also to reduced heating bills. Draughts under doors can be simply dealt with by using draught excluders. Heavier curtains can be used in the winter months

Fluffy socks and dressing gowns may not be glamorous but they all came from a time when our homes were not as easy to keep warm as they are now. So learn from our ancestors and wear snuggly warm clothes at home if you’re feeling the chill.