Warm homes are taken for granted now that central heating is so common.  But central heating has to be paid for and people may be tempted to sacrifice a warm home to cut back on their energy bills – especially when fuel costs are rising. 

That could be a false economy – because a new review shows that a warm home is important for health.  Researchers in Glasgow, Scotland, looked at 40 studies carried out between the 1930s and 2007.  These showed that a warm home can improve your general, mental and lung health.  A warm home reduces cold and flu symptoms, allergies, wheezing and night time coughs.  A warm home reduces depression and anxiety and even reduces the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.   People who live in poor housing or who struggle with energy bills may pay the price in terms of poor health and even reduced lifespan the researchers conclude.  Policy makers should target fuel allowances and building plans to make sure people have warm homes. 

The current drive towards energy efficiency to combat climate change could help improve people’s health.  Because if you pay attention to effective insulation and eliminating drafts, your home will become warmer without necessarily spending more money on energy.  Therefore, invest a little in energy efficiency and help reduce both minor ailments and major health problems by keeping your home warm.  And if you are the carer for an older person, always check that they, and their surroundings, are warm enough. 

Source:

Thomson H et al The health impacts of housing improvement: a systematic review of intervention studies from 1887 to 2007 American Journal of Public Health 2009; 99: (S3)