Staying warm and well in the home
Keeping warm is essential to you keeping well. Being unable to keep warm in the home can have a significant impact on your health. If you feel you that yourself, a neighbour or a friend is suffering because of fuel poverty, there is advice and support available to help you move out of fuel poverty.
What impact can fuel poverty have on my health?
Living in a cold, damp environment can have a significant impact on your health. Symptoms of arthritis can become worse in cold, damp homes. Strength and movement can be impaired as temperatures drop, which increases the risk of having a fall.
The cold lowers the resistance to respiratory infections and can also exacerbate conditions such as asthma. Studies have also shown that cold environments can increase your blood pressure and lead to a temporary thickening of the blood, so if you have been diagnosed with a condition such as heart disease, the cold can place further strain on your circulatory system.
The table below highlights how low household temperatures can have a negative affect upon health:
| Indoor temperature |
Effect |
| 21°C |
Recommended living room temperature |
| 18°C |
Minimum temperature with no health risk, though may feel cold |
| Under 16°C |
Resistance to respiratory diseases may be diminished |
| 9-12°C |
Increases blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular disease |
| 5°C |
High risk of hypothermia |
What help is there for people struggling with fuel bills?
If you are struggling to meet your fuel payments or your home often feels cold and damp, you may be entitled to “affordable warmth” measures. Affordable warmth is the ability to achieve sufficient warmth within the home at an affordable cost. If you would like to learn more about fuel poverty and heating your home, the Greater Manchester Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre may be able to help, phone 0800 512012 to speak to an advisor.
The team provides advice and assistance on grants, schemes and special offers to help Bury residents finance energy efficiency measures. They can also provide advice on understanding energy bills and refer residents for other services such as debt advice and benefits checks, to help people move out of fuel poverty and reduce their fuel bills.
For further information about fuel poverty and the affordable warmth help available, please visit the websites listed below.
Useful websites