Keeping Your Home Warm This Winter: Met Office Advice That Can Make a Difference

From draught-proofing to safe heating, these practical winter tips follow Met Office and government guidance.

Why warmth is about health as well as comfort

As colder evenings arrive, keeping a home warm becomes more than a question of comfort. The Met Office explains that exposure to cold can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of respiratory problems, especially for older people and those with certain existing conditions. Small household changes can make rooms feel more comfortable, although they cannot replace adequate heating where someone is vulnerable to cold.

Aim for a suitable indoor temperature

Official guidance recommends heating the rooms you spend most time in to at least 18°C, particularly if you are aged 65 or over, have reduced mobility or live with a heart or lung condition. Some people may benefit from warmer conditions. Healthy, active adults under 65 may feel comfortable at a slightly lower temperature, depending on clothing and circumstances. A simple room thermometer can help you see what the temperature actually is.

Keep the heat you have already paid for

Draught excluders around doors and suitable seals around windows can reduce unwanted cold air. Close curtains at dusk to limit heat loss, while keeping curtains and furniture away from radiators so warmth can circulate. The Met Office also recommends adequate loft insulation and insulation for hot-water cylinders and pipes. Larger improvements may require professional advice, particularly in older or rented properties.

Use heating thoughtfully

Rather than turning the thermostat up sharply when the house feels cold, consider setting the heating to come on before you get up and adjusting its timing to match when rooms are used. If heating every room is unaffordable, prioritise spaces where you spend most of your time and keep doors closed where appropriate. However, avoid leaving vulnerable household members in rooms that are too cold.

Take care with portable heaters and blankets

Electric heaters should be kept away from curtains and furnishings and should not be used for drying clothes. The Met Office advises unplugging portable heaters when you go out or go to bed. Electric blankets must be used according to their instructions and should not be combined with a hot-water bottle. Never block ventilation needed for fuel-burning appliances, and make sure working carbon monoxide alarms are fitted where required.

Where to find help

If bills are making it difficult to maintain a safe temperature, check official government guidance on energy support and home-efficiency schemes. Eligibility depends on your circumstances and where in the UK you live. People concerned about an older neighbour or relative can offer practical help with shopping, prescriptions or checking that heating is working. If someone appears seriously unwell from cold exposure, seek urgent medical assistance.

Sources and picture credit

Check for cold spots and condensation as the season progresses. Persistent damp may indicate a ventilation or building-maintenance problem. Tenants should report recurring issues to their landlord and keep a record. Homeowners considering insulation work should seek advice before making changes that affect airflow or moisture. A warm home should also be safely ventilated.

Sources: Met Office, Keeping your home warm this winter: https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/warnings-and-advice/seasonal-advice/your-home/keeping-your-home-warm-in-winter ; GOV.UK, Keeping warm and well: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-warm-and-well-staying-safe-in-cold-weather/top-tips-for-keeping-warm-and-well-this-winter . Image: Breather / Wikimedia Commons (CC0).