IT’S that time of the year again… the clocks have gone back, you’ve enjoyed that extra hour in bed and now winter is looming large.
And with the changing seasons comes the inevitable need to crank up the heating.
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When the mercury falls below 15C, experts say it’s a good idea to start heating your home.
Though with soaring energy prices in recent years, and fears the Government is planning to take away the Winter Fuel Payment for millions of pensioners – it’s a hotly debated topic.
But it’s one that not only impacts your purse, but your health too.
There are a host of benefits linked to having a warm home during winter – less chance of damp, frozen pipes, and colds and respiratory infections caused by mould.
Read more on winter viruses
But turning your heating on can also have a negative effect on your health.
Dr Babak Ashrafi, Superdrug Online Doctor, said heated indoor air often becomes dry, which can lead to colds and infections.
He explained: “Dry indoor air can dry out mucous membranes, increasing the risk of colds and infections.
“Heating systems can also circulate dust and indoor pollutants, contributing to tiredness, achy muscles, or irritated eyes.
“And prolonged exposure to high temperatures, especially in poorly ventilated spaces, can also lead to heat-related conditions such as exhaustion or dehydration.”
Dr Babak said there are four symptoms in particular to look out for that your heating could be affecting your health:
- Dehydration
- Sinus congestion
- Dry coughs
- Headaches
While it might be tempting to turn your heating off to avoid problems with your health, not turning your heating on can also have a negative impact.
If you experience confusion, behavioural changes, or slurred speech, seek medical attention promptly.
Dr Babak Ashrafi
Dr Babak said: “Leaving the heating off can be a contributory factor to minor health issues such as common colds, particularly in the colder winter months.
“Lower indoor temperatures can also increase the risk of respiratory issues like asthma or pneumonia, as the colder air can make breathing more difficult.
“These symptoms can be further exacerbated if a home is damp and mouldy, something which can sometimes be the case in under-heated, poorly ventilated houses.”
Cold conditions can also raise blood pressure, warned Dr Babak.
He added: “Colder temperatures can lead to blood vessels restricting, which leads to an increase in pressure.”
So what temperature should you set your heating to for optimum health?
The NHS recommends heating your home to at least 18°C during the winter.
This is particularly important for people who are older, have long-term illnesses, or are not mobile.
Dr Babak added: “You should also look to do this in rooms you spend the most time in, such as the living room or bedroom.”
What can you do to alleviate symptoms caused by your heating?
Using a smart thermostat to control the temperature in your home more effectively can help, as well as a humidifier on to balance moisture in the air, and stay hydrated.
Dr Babak also advised: “If you’re feeling unwell and suspect heating might be the cause, try stepping outside for a 30-minute walk.
“If you feel better afterwards, it could indicate that your symptoms are related to indoor conditions.
“If you experience confusion, behavioural changes, or slurred speech, seek medical attention promptly.”
Beware – turning your heating on can also cause mould
When you turn on the heating, water that evaporated from warm surfaces condenses on cold surfaces like windows, walls, and mirrors. This condensation can lead to mould growth.
Also, if there’s already a significant source of moisture, like a leak, heating alone might not be enough to prevent mould.
Mould can cause allergic reactions similar to those caused by plant pollen, including sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash.
Respiratory issues can also start, including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing.
In some cases, mould can increase the risk of airway infections, including aspergillosis.
Symptoms of aspergillosis, according to the NHS, include:
- shortness of breath
- a cough – you may cough up blood or lumps of mucus
- wheezing
- a high temperature
- losing weight without trying
- feeling tired
To get rid of mould when you turn the heating on, open windows to allow warm, moist air to escape and cooler, drier air to enter.
A dehumidifier can extract moisture from the air.
Wipe down windows and sills with a dry cloth to remove condensation.
And for smaller amounts of mould, you can use a fungicide to kill it.
NHS advice for keeping warm
Keeping warm over the winter months can help to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.
As well as heating your home to at least 18°C, particularly in the rooms that you regularly use, you should keep your bedroom windows closed at night.
You should also make sure you’re getting all the help that you’re entitled to. There are grants, benefits and advice available to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills.
Remember that other people, such as older neighbours, friends and family members, may need some extra help over the winter.
Keep in touch with your friends, neighbours and family and ask if they need any practical help, or if they’re feeling unwell.
Make sure they’re stocked up with enough food supplies for a few days, in case they cannot go out.
If they do need to go out in the cold, encourage them to wear shoes with a good grip and a scarf around the mouth to protect them from cold air, and to reduce their risk of chest infections.
Also, make sure they get any prescription medicines before the holiday period starts and if bad weather is forecast.
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