Keeping your home warm during cold weather

As temperatures drop and winter weather sets in, keeping your house warm becomes essential for comfort and wellbeing. This article explores practical ways to maintain a cosy home, protect your health, and ensure safety during the coldest months

The current outlook

High pressure will dominate over the next few days, bringing chilly but settled weather. New Year's Eve looks settled for many, but Scotland will turn windy with showers, and colder conditions are expected as we enter the New Year.

On Thursday, showers will increasingly turn to snow in northern Scotland, accompanied by strong, possibly gale-force northerly winds. A yellow weather warning for snow and ice has been issued for Scotland for Thursday and into the following day, with significant accumulations possible by Friday morning. The UK Health Security Agency has also issued an amber cold health alert for the northeast and northwest of England until January 5, with all other regions under a yellow alert for this period.

Why keeping your home warm matters

Cold weather brings more than just discomfort; it poses real risks to health and wellbeing. Winter coughs, colds, and flu are common, but cold temperatures can also lead to physical injuries from slips, trips, and falls.

As we age, our bodies become less able to detect cold and take longer to warm up, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia, depression, worsening arthritis, and accidents at home due to reduced strength and dexterity.

The cold thickens blood and raises blood pressure, while breathing in cold air can increase the risk of chest infections. It’s especially important to ensure your home, and the homes of those you care for, are kept at a safe temperature.

Here is a look at those temperatures sliding away by the weekend... pic.twitter.com/uCIV1eEcAf

— Met Office (@metoffice) December 29, 2025

What temperature should rooms be in winter?

The recommendation is to heat your home to at least 18°C, particularly if you have reduced mobility, are aged 65 or over, or have a health condition such as heart or lung disease. Slightly higher temperatures may be beneficial for your health. If you’re under 65, active, and dressed appropriately, you may feel comfortable at slightly lower temperatures.

For those over 65 or with pre-existing health conditions, bedroom temperatures of at least 18°C overnight are advisable. Healthy adults under 65, with suitable clothing and bedding, may not need to keep bedrooms quite as warm. It’s important to keep bedroom windows closed at night during cold weather to retain warmth.

Heating and insulating your home

Keeping the heat in

Insulating your home is one of the most effective ways to stay warm and reduce energy costs. Here are some key steps:

• Fit draught proofing to seal gaps around windows and doors.
• Ensure your loft has at least 270 mm (10–11 inches) of insulation. Homes with 100 mm (4 inches) or less should have insulation topped up.
• If you have wall cavities, make sure they are insulated.
• Insulate your hot water cylinder and pipes.
• Draw curtains at dusk to help keep heat inside rooms.
• Make sure radiators are not obstructed by curtains or furniture.

These measures help retain heat, making your home more comfortable and energy efficient.

READ MORE: Week ahead forecast: A mix of conditions as we head into the New Year

Stay safe with fires, heaters, and electric blankets

During severe weather, you may rely on fires and candles for warmth or light, especially during power cuts. To stay safe:

• Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home and test it regularly.
• For open fires: sweep your chimney, use a fireguard, and ensure the fire is fully extinguished before leaving the room.
• For electric heaters: keep them away from curtains and furniture, do not use them to dry clothes, and always unplug them when leaving the house or going to bed.
• For electric blankets: never use a hot water bottle with the blanket (even if switched off), and unplug blankets before bed unless they have a thermostat for safe all-night use.

Looking out for elderly relatives and neighbours

Cold and icy weather can be especially challenging for older people. Support elderly relatives or neighbours by:

• Checking if they need practical help and ensuring they are well.
• Making sure they have enough food supplies in case they cannot go out.
• Offering to clear their paths when you clear yours and spreading salt (ordinary table or dishwasher salt works using a tablespoon per square metre).

These simple actions can make a significant difference to the safety and wellbeing of those most at risk during cold spells.

Keep up to date with weather warnings, and you can find the latest forecast on our website, on YouTube, by following us on X and Facebook, as well as on our mobile app which is available for iPhone from the App store and for Android from the Google Play store.