Keeping warm and well in winter

Winter can be a hazardous time for many of us - more people get ill in winter and the number of deaths rise. At particular risk are the elderly, those suffering some form of chronic disease or those who are vulnerable due to a physical disability.

Here we offer some advice for keeping warm and well this winter:

Over 60s, low-income families and people living with a disability

A booklet has been produced by the Department of Health, in association with other partners which aims to help you maintain good health during winter and take advantage of the financial help and benefits available.

Download: Keep Warm Keep Well leaflet [PDF 1345KB] (This link will open in a new window) or the Keep Warm Keep Well, easy read leaflet

Advice from NHS Choices

NHS Choices offers you a range of advice and information about keeping warm and well in winter, follow the links below:

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.

Help with heating your home

If you are over 60, disabled or on a low income you may be able to get financial help with heating your home. You may also be able to get benefits that help you make home improvements, such as insulation. Follow the links below to get more information:

Cold weather payment
For those on a low income, a Cold Weather Payment may be available for each week of very cold weather in your area.
Winter fuel payment
If eligible, you could get a Winter Fuel Payment to help pay for keeping warm in winter.
Energy grants
If eligible, an energy grant can help you pay for a new boiler or loft insulation.
Warm Front Scheme
Freephone: 0800 316 2805
Can provide financial help if you need help paying for heating and insulation improvements in your home and are getting income or disability-related benefits.

Useful links

Home Heat Helpline
Free advice: 0800 33 66 99
Easy to understand advice about how to save energy.

Saving energy in your home

Energy used in homes is responsible for over a quarter of all UK emissions of carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas causing climate change. Making your home as energy efficient as possible will reduce carbon emissions and could also save you money on your fuel bills. Follow the links below for help and advice: