Follow these tips to keep you and your family warm and well at home:
Keep your home warm
Help with heating costs
Look in on vulnerable relatives or neighbours
Keep your home warm
- if you’re not very mobile, are 65 or over, or have a health condition, such as heart or lung disease, heat your home to at least 18C
- keep your bedroom at 18C all night if you can – and keep your bedroom window closed
- if you’re under 65, healthy and active, you can safely have your home cooler than 18C, as long as you’re comfortable
- use a hot water bottle or electric blanket to keep warm in bed – but do not use both at the same time
- have at least one hot meal a day – eating regularly helps keep you warm
- have hot drinks regularly
- draw curtains at dusk and keep doors closed to block out draughts
- get your heating system checked regularly by a qualified professional
Help with heating costs
You may be able to claim financial and practical help with heating your home. Grants available include the Winter Fuel Payment and the Cold Weather Payment.
For more information on how to reduce your bills and make your home more energy efficient, go to the government’s Simple Energy Advice website, or call the Simple Energy Advice helpline on 0800 444 202.
You can also find advice in the section on financial help to heat your home in the Keep Warm, Keep Well leaflet (PDF, 431KB) .
It’s worth claiming all the benefits you’re entitled to as soon as winter begins.
Look in on vulnerable neighbours and relatives
Check on older neighbours and relatives, and those with heart or breathing (respiratory) problems, to make sure they:
- are safe and well
- are warm enough, especially at night
- have stocks of food and medicines so they do not need to go out during very cold weather
If you’re worried about a relative or elderly neighbour, contact your local council or call the Age UK helpline on 0800 678 1602 (8am to 7pm every day).
If you’re concerned that the person may be suffering from hypothermia, contact NHS 111
For more helpful advice, give Nurse Call a phone on 0141 639 1802.
