skip to main content
People & Communities

Long Telephone Wait Times

We are currently having network issues, meaning the wait time for Customer Services to answer your telephone calls will be longer than usual. We hope to get this fixed shortly and apologise for the inconvenience. 

People & Communities

Tips on Keeping Warm

Keeping your home warm, efficiently and safely

  • Heating your home to at least 18°C in winter poses minimal risk to your health when you are wearing suitable clothing

  • Heating your home to at least 18°C is particularly important if you have reduced mobility, are 65 and over, or have a health condition, such as heart or lung disease - having room temperatures slightly over 18C could be good for your health

  • if you are under 65, active and wearing appropriate clothing, you may feel comfortable at room temperatures slightly lower than 18°C

  • Overnight, people who are 65 and over, or have pre-existing health conditions, may find bedroom temperatures of at least 18°C are good for their health - this may be less important if you are a healthy adult under 65 and have appropriate clothing and bedding

  • If you can’t heat all the rooms you use, heat the living room during the day and your bedroom just before you go to sleep

  • Get your heating system and cooking appliances checked and keep your home well-ventilated

  • If you have an electric blanket, use it as instructed and get it tested every three years - never use a hot water bottle with an electric blanket

  • Don't use a gas cooker or oven to heat your home - it is inefficient and there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning which can kill

  • if you aren't on mains gas or electricity, make sure you have a supply of heating oil, LPG or solid fuel so you do not run out in winter.

Keep the warmth in by:

  • fitting draught proofing to seal any gaps around windows and doors

  • making sure you have loft insulation and, if you have cavity walls, that they are insulated too

  • insulating your hot water cylinder and pipes

  • drawing your curtains at dusk and tucking behind radiators to help keep heat inside

  • making sure your radiators are not obstructed by furniture or curtains.

Look after yourself

  • Keeping well will allow you to do more and keep your independence - being cold isn’t just uncomfortable it can be bad for your health

  • Sitting or sleeping in a cold room isn't good for you and increases the risk of heart attacks, stroke and breathing problems

  • Don’t let the cold catch you out - check the weather forecast and be ready for cold weather

  • Keep your bedroom windows closed on a winter’s night -breathing cold air can increase the risk of chest infections

  • Food is a vital source of energy and helps to keep your body warm, so have plenty of hot food and drinks

  • Aim to include five daily portions of fruit and vegetables in your diet - tinned and frozen vegetables count towards your five a day

  • Stock up on tinned and frozen foods so you don’t have to go out too much when it’s cold or icy

  • Exercise is good for you all year round and it can keep you warm in winter

  • Wear a few layers of thin clothing rather than one thick layer as this will trap the heat better to keep you warm - socks and hats are great too and are a good idea to keep you warm in bed

  • Thin layers of clothes made from cotton, wool or fleecy fibres are particularly good and maintain body heat

  • Wear good-fitting slippers with a good grip indoors and shoes with a good grip outside to prevent slips, trips and falls

  • Make sure you have spare medication in case you are unable to go out

  • Cover yourself with a blanket or shawl if you are sitting for long periods as this will help keep you warm - put your feet up if you can, the air may be colder near the floor

  • Keep moving if you can - this will help keep you warm

  • Try not to sit for more than an hour - get up and walk around, make a hot drink and spread housework throughout the day

  • If walking is a problem try moving your arms and legs whilst sitting, or wiggling your fingers and toes

  • Power and utility companies have schemes which make at-risk groups a priority for re-connection following power cuts - find out if you meet the criteria and how to sign up. 

Look after others

  • Check on frail or older neighbours or relatives, especially those living alone or who have serious illnesses, to make sure they are safe, warm and well

  • All of the advice above for 'Looking after yourself’ can be used to plan how to help others

  • Those with care responsibilities, whether for family members or on a professional or voluntary basis, should consult the Cold Weather Plan for England for a range of useful advice, as well as ensure that those at risk have homes heated to at least 18°C and receive regular visitors.

  • Charities and social and health care organisations should ensure that carers of those most at-risk are getting the support and advice they need to protect those who may be vulnerable to the ill-effects of cold weather.

Get financial help

  • There are grants, benefits and advice to help make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills

  • It’s worthwhile claiming all the benefits you are entitled to before winter sets in.