Keeping Warm

Keeping Warm, without it costing the earth!

Over the last couple of years, we’ve had some of the worst winters since records began.

Keeping warm is especially important over the winter months as it can stop you getting colds, flu or more serious health problems like pneumonia.

But before you turn up that thermostat, try some of these ways to keep warm without firing up that boiler.

• Keep active- Move around at least once an hour and don't sit down for long periods of time. Even light exercise will help keep you warm. For more information, advice and tips on how you can build more activity into your day visit our keeping active pages
• Wrap up- Several thin layers of clothes are better than one thick layer. Don't forget to wear hats, gloves and scarves. If possible, stay inside during cold weather, especially if you have heart or respiratory problems.
• Keep it constant- Try to keep a constant temperature of 18-21ºC (64-70ºF) in all rooms of your house. If this is not possible or affordable, keep one room warm but pre-heat the bed and bedroom before you go to bed.
• Eat hot- Make sure you have some hot food and drink every day.
• Stop draughts – Old towels are a great way to stop draughts under doors and around windows.
• ‘Re-use’ heat – open your oven when you’ve finished cooking to release the heat into the kitchen.
• Think ahead – Try to take fewer trips when bringing groceries or other shopping indoors. The less time you open doors to the outside, the less heat will escape.

For more information, advice and tips on how to you can build more activity into your day visit our ‘Keeping Active’| pages.

Keeping the heat in your home with insulation

Insulation makes your home warm and will help to keep your heating bills down. It’s a good idea 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.

If you are interested in getting some insulation in your home or want some advice about what is suitable for your home then you may wish to contact an approved National Insulation Association| (NIA) installer in your area.

‘Health Through Warmth’ teams

If you, or someone in your family, have a health problem that is affected by living in a cold or damp home, contact your local ‘Health Through Warmth’ team. They can help you to find the right solution and often help with the cost.

Ring 01785 619630 if you live in the Stafford, East Staffordshire, Newcastle-under-Lyme or Staffordshire Moorlands areas or visit the N Power website|.

Ring 01543 460783 if you live in the Cannock, South Staffordshire, Lichfield or Tamworth areas or visit the N Power website|.

Warm Front

The Warm Front scheme is a government funded service and can provide insulation, draught proofing and even central heating to people in receipt of certain means tested benefits.  You can find out more about the scheme and the criteria by visiting the Direct Gov website|.

Do you have any useful advice or experiences that could help others?  Tell the website Editor| or talk to other people|.