When should I call for help in winter?

Reach out for help if you are struggling to heat your home, feeling unwell, unable to obtain food or medication, or worried about the wellbeing of a vulnerable loved one.

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Word Count : 842

Date : November 15, 2025

Keeping Warm in Winter

Q: How warm should my home be in winter?

Your main living room should be kept at around 21°C (70°F), while the rest of your home should be around 18°C (64°F) to stay healthy and protect against cold-related illness.

Q: What are the main health risks of being cold?

Cold indoor temperatures can worsen heart and lung conditions, increase the risk of chest infections, trigger asthma symptoms, cause joint pain, and increase the likelihood of falls.

Q: How often should I check carbon monoxide alarms?

You should test your carbon monoxide alarms weekly, replace batteries when needed, and replace the alarm itself every 5–7 years depending on the manufacturer’s guidance.

Q: How can I keep warm if I'm worried about heating costs?

Wear thin layers of clothing, heat only the rooms you use most, use draught excluders, close curtains at dusk, and check with your energy provider about support schemes for winter.

Essential Guidance for Staying Safe at Home

Winter can be a beautiful season, but colder temperatures bring increased health risks—especially for older adults or anyone living with long-term conditions. Cold homes can place additional strain on the heart, lungs and immune system, raising the risk of flu, chest infections, asthma flare-ups, arthritis pain and even more serious complications.

We believe every older adult should have the opportunity to enjoy safe, independent living. Through our compassionate home care services, we support families with free advice and guidance, helping them understand how proactive home support can transform daily life.

Article Contents List

This guide shares clear, practical steps to help you and your loved ones stay warm, safe and supported throughout the winter months.

Check Your Heating Systems
Test Carbon Monoxide Alarms Regularly
Keep an Eye on Indoor Temperatures
Improve Home Insulation
Dress for Warmth
Eat and Drink Well
Plan for Cold Weather
FAQ: Keeping Warm in Winter

Carer assisting elderly woman with mobility support at home following hospital discharge

Check Your Heating Systems

Your heating system is your first line of defence against the cold, so ensure it’s working efficiently.

Know how to use your thermostat, timer, and radiator valves.
Set the timer to warm rooms gradually—this is more effective and often cheaper than quick blasts of heat.
If you rely on electric heaters, keep them at a safe distance from furniture and ensure cables are not damaged.
Book an annual boiler service to reduce the risk of breakdowns during cold snaps.

Test Carbon Monoxide Alarms Regularly

Every home with a gas appliance should have a carbon monoxide alarm. These alarms can save lives.

Ensure alarms are fitted in every room with a gas appliance.
Test alarms weekly and replace batteries when needed.
Keep vents and flues clear—blocked ventilation increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you use an open fire, always use a fireguard and avoid drying clothes too close to it.

Keep an Eye on Indoor Temperature

Maintaining the right indoor temperature supports your health and protects against cold-related illness.

Keep your main living area at around 21°C (70°F).
Heat hallways and bedrooms to around 18°C (64°F).
Close curtains at dusk to keep heat in; thermal lining can make a big difference.
If energy costs are a concern, heat the rooms you use most frequently—and keep doors closed to retain heat.

Keep Rooms Well Insulated

Good insulation doesn’t just conserve heat—it makes your home safer and more comfortable.

Close bedroom windows at night to avoid breathing in cold air that can irritate lungs.
Fit a letterbox brush to reduce draughts from the front door.
Check loft insulation and consider topping it up if it’s thin or patchy.
If you have a decorative fireplace, a chimney balloon can prevent heat from escaping up the flue.
Use draught excluders under doors, particularly in older homes.

Dress for Warmth

Layering is one of the simplest ways to stay warm.

Wear thin layers rather than one bulky item—they trap warm air better.
Thermal vests, socks and leggings make a big difference in cold homes.
Keep a blanket or shawl nearby for extra warmth when sitting still.
Wear good-grip slippers to prevent falls on cold floors.

Home Care York - Carer helping client with jacket

Eat and Drink Well

Warm food and hydration help regulate body temperature.

Choose warming meals like soups, stews and porridge.
Drink hot drinks regularly to boost warmth.
Avoid skipping meals—food is your body’s fuel for generating heat.
Keep snacks nearby if it’s difficult to move around the home.

Plan Ahead for Cold Weather

Preparation helps reduce the risk of emergencies.

Keep a winter essentials kit (torch, batteries, blankets, medication, hot water bottle).
Have your prescriptions filled ahead of bad weather.
Store some shelf-stable foods in case you cannot get out.
Check weather warnings regularly.
Have emergency contacts written down as well as saved in your phone.

FAQs: Keeping Warm in Winter

How warm should my home be in winter?

Your main living room should be around 21°C, and the rest of the home should be around 18°C.

What are the main health risks of being cold?

Cold indoors can worsen heart and lung conditions, cause joint pain, increase the risk of falls, and make viral infections more dangerous.

How often should I check carbon monoxide alarms?

Test alarms weekly and replace the whole device every 5–7 years depending on the manufacturer.

How can I keep warm if I’m worried about heating costs?

Layer clothing, heat the rooms you use most, use draught excluders, keep curtains closed at night, and consider speaking with your energy provider about support schemes.

When should I call for help?

If you’re struggling with heating, feeling unwell, unable to get food or medication, or worried about a vulnerable loved one, reach out for support immediately.