Insulation

It is now recommended that lofts have 270mm (or 10 inches) of loft insulation this can save up to 25% of your heat loss.  If your home has cavity walls, insulate them, this can save you up to 35% on your fuel bills. There are grants and discounts available to help you insulate your home. If you receive certain benefits you may be able to get the insulation free of charge. We work with our local energy efficiency advice centre that runs the cocoon scheme.  They are able to provide free and impartial advice on insulation and how to reduce your fuel use. If you would like to find out more please follow the link below or call 0800 512 012.

Other ways to keep your house warm

• Keep your curtains closed in rooms which you are not using during the day this will help to reduce draughts.
• Ensure your heating system is working correctly and service it once a year. We recommend you use a contractor who is approved or registered as a competent person for any maintenance work you have done to your heating system. For details of approval and registration schemes for competent persons, please follow the link below.
• If your heating system has broken down beyond repair there are grants for those on certain benefits, for further advice please call the Cocoon helpline on 0800 512 012.
• Make sure you know how your heating controls work.
• Make sure that your pipes are lagged including those in the loft and your hot water cylinder is insulated.

Wrap up warm

It is better to wear lots of thin layers rather than one thick layer of clothing, this is because warmth from your body will get trapped between the layers keeping you warm. When it is really cold it is best to wear thermal underwear, a warm nightdress or pyjamas, a hat and socks.

When you go outside wear a hat as this will keep you warmer, wear lots of thin layers under your coat. Wear warm, flat non slip shoes, especially in frosty weather, as this will help you to stop falling.

Eat well

Make sure that you eat well in the winter as this provides you with the fuel to keep going. You should:

• Have at least one hot meal a day
• Drink hot drinks throughout the day and one before bedtime
• Keep a flask of a hot drink by your bed in case you feel cold at night

Keep moving

Staying active is good for your health even simple activities such as walking. If you stay at home because of the cold don’t remain sitting for long periods of time. If you go outside in the cold and icy weather don’t take risks and keep moving rather than standing still or sitting.

For further advice on how to keep warm, there is a Keep Warm Keep Well booklet which you can download below.

Date Updated: 14/03/08

Downloads:

File name	Summary	File size / Download time	File Format
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Warm and Well booklet		665KB 56Kbps Modem: 1 Minute 37 Seconds Broadband : Less than 1 Minute