Tips for helping the elderly keep warm this winter
As we get older, we react differently to the cold and become much more vulnerable during the winter months. Many are not aware of the serious effects the cooler temperatures can have on an elderly person’s health, such as increasing the chance of chest infections, as well as related health problems including heart attacks, strokes and pneumonia. In fact, in a recent article, Professor Mike Tipton of the University of Portsmouth, revealed that deaths among elderly people increase by around one per cent for every 1C drop in temperatures below 20C. With this in mind, the Heating Installer Awards is urging the elderly in Exeter and those around them to follow these few basic tips to stay warm and comfortable this winter.
Ensure your heating system is up to scratch
First things first – make sure your heating system is in working order in plenty of time for the cold months. Getting your heating system serviced every year will make sure it’s running safely and efficiently. A local heating installer will be able to help you with this, help you with any problems and advise you on the most practical heating option for your home if you need a new system.
Get the timings right
If you find yourself cold, rather than simply turning the thermostat up to warm the house quickly, reset the timer so the heating comes on earlier. Not only will this help you avoid cold spells but it could help you save money - The Centre for Sustainable Energy advises that programming your heating to come on earlier but at a lower temperature is cheaper than turning it on as and when you need it at a higher temperature2.
You should also make sure that the individual thermostats on your radiators are set correctly in the rooms where you spend most time. Again, for more information about how to understand your heating controls, you should seek advice from a local heating installer.
Regulate temperature
Experts advise that it is best to keep all rooms that you are occupying at a stable temperature, around 20C, rather than just heating one room. That said, if you feel cold, make sure you turn the heating up regardless of what the thermostat says!
Block out draughts and maximise insulation
As well as making sure your heating works properly, it will be easier and cheaper to run if your house is well insulated. Insulating the loft, as well the hot-water tank and pipes, and installing cavity-wall insulation are just some of the steps you can take. Financial help is available for these solutions so it’s worth speaking with The Energy Saving Trust before you rule anything out because you don’t think you can afford it. Draught proofing doors and windows, and drawing the curtains at nightfall will also help keep the heat in and can be cheap, or free in some cases, and easy to implement.
Wrap up warm
It may sound obvious, but when it’s cold make sure you wrap up warm in the house, whether you are simply watching TV or in bed. A lot of heat is lost through your head and feet so bed socks are a must, and even a hat for those really cold nights. A hot water bottle is always a welcome bed time buddy too! An old wives’ tale would have people believe that leaving a window open at night is good for your health, when in fact, breathing in cold air at night can actually cause health problems so make sure you keep those windows firmly shut.
Get the help you are entitled too
With energy prices going up, you may be worried about the financial implications of some of the advice suggested. From Winter Fuel Payments, Cold Weather Payments and Warm Home Discounts, there is plenty of support out there for those who need it, so make sure you claim the financial help you are entitled to in order to keep your home warm.
Rely on Family and friends
Last but not least, if you know there is a cold snap expected don’t be afraid to ask your family and friends to help out. Perhaps they could pick up shopping for you to save you going out in the cold, or maybe just ask them to visit more often - even if it’s just for the extra company!
For any advice on your heating system or energy saving solutions, you should speak to your local heating installer. If you know a local plumber or heating installer who has gone that extra mile to deliver exceptional customer, why not nominate them for The Heating Installer Awards. The awards, now in the second year, are searching for the UK’s best plumbers and heating installers who continually demonstrate expert technicality and skill, deliver exceptional customer service and use the most innovative technology. Sponsored by Continental Underfloor, Danfoss, Graham The Plumbers’ Merchant, Installer Magazine, LG, Pegler Yorkshire, Sentinel and Vaillant UK, the competition is accepting entries until February 17th. If you wish to enter your local installer, or think they would like to enter themselves, head to www.heatinginstallerawards.co.uk.
