With today’s announcement of the latest UK energy price cap increase, many households will once again be thinking carefully about how they heat their homes this winter.
While discussions around home heating often focus on cost, carbon emissions or air quality, there is another important part of the conversation that should not be overlooked: warmth itself matters for our health and wellbeing too.
For generations, staying warm at home has been recognised as essential, particularly for older people, young children and those with existing health conditions. Many people still remember public information campaigns reminding neighbours and families to check in on vulnerable relatives during cold weather.
Today, that message remains just as important.
Cold homes can affect far more than comfort. Research has consistently linked prolonged exposure to low indoor temperatures with a range of health concerns, including respiratory illness, cardiovascular strain and impacts on mental wellbeing. The UK continues to record thousands of excess winter deaths each year, highlighting the serious effect that cold weather can have on vulnerable households.
The World Health Organization recommends maintaining indoor temperatures of at least 18°C for healthy adults, with warmer temperatures advised for older people, young children and those with chronic illness.
Warmth Supports Health
Our bodies work hard to maintain a stable internal temperature. When homes become too cold, the body has to work harder too.
Cold conditions can place additional strain on the cardiovascular system and may increase vulnerability to winter illnesses and respiratory infections. Poorly heated homes can also affect sleep quality, comfort and mental wellbeing, particularly during long winter periods.
This is why access to reliable, affordable heating has long been recognised as an important part of public health policy.
The Importance of Choice and Resilience
For many households, particularly in rural or off-grid areas, having more than one way to heat the home provides reassurance and resilience during periods of severe weather, rising energy costs or energy uncertainty.
Modern heating appliances, including modern Ecodesign wood burning stoves when used correctly dry and correctly seasoned wood fuel, play a role alongside other heating technologies in helping households maintain comfortable living spaces during winter.
The conversation around home heating should therefore remain balanced and evidence-led. Improving air quality is important, and so too is ensuring people can keep their homes warm, safe and comfortable.
Using Heating Responsibly
Whichever way you choose to heat your home, good practice matters.
Simple steps such as using the correct fuel, installing and maintaining appliances properly, ensuring good ventilation and following manufacturer guidance can all help households heat their homes more effectively and responsibly.
At the SIA, we continue to support practical, evidence-based conversations around home heating, recognising both the importance of air quality and the importance of warm, healthy homes.
