It goes without saying that not having heating at home is a bad idea. Heating is important for a number of reasons, including health and basic comfort. Here at Abbey Boilers, we offer a number of heating services, including boiler servicing. As winter approaches, it is important to have your boilers serviced to avoid sudden breakdowns that will end up costing you more to fix. A cold home isn't safe for anyone, the winter months make a cold home even less safer. We look at good reasons why you need warmth at home in the winter.
Physiological Stresses
A cold home may place physiological stresses on the body. While healthier people can cope with a cold temperature, not everyone can. The elderly, the very young and those with long term illnesses should have the home heated to a standard warm temperature as precaution.
Heart attacks
The increase in frequency during the winter months may affect those with underlying health problems. A drop in temperature concentrates blood flow in the body core, increasing blood pressure which can in turn place more strain on the heart. Also, your body works harder to generate additional heat when it is cold, he end result could be a heart attack. It's scary to think that a cold temperature can result in something as serious as a heart attack.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia can be fatal, it’s a situation where the temperature of the body falls from what it should be. Your body will normally let you know that this is happening with plenty of warning, from shivering, numb extremities and just feeling miserably cold.
Diminished Immune Response
In general, cold diminishes the immune response. A cold weather can result in reduced blood supply to the extremities in order to preserve body heat in the core of the torso and the head. This reduction in blood flow then means that there are fewer white blood cells available to fight disease. Such effects can go on to result in an increased susceptibility to winter illnesses such as colds.
Condensation, Damp and Mould
Damp is most commonly caused by condensation which can lead to mould growth that then appears as a cloud of little black dots. Condensation occurs when moist air meets a colder surface like a wall, window or mirror. It also occurs in places the air is still, like the corners of rooms, behind furniture or inside wardrobes.
These are only a few disadvantages of a cold home. Heating is necessary to keep a balanced temperature in the home, and keep you safe. Here is a quick guide on temperatures to keep home , according to the well known charity, Centre for Sustainable Energy.
"How cold is too cold?
If you have a central heating system, you may also have a room thermostat to monitor and control the temperature in your home – it sends a signal to the boiler telling it to switch off when the house is warm enough. It’s usually found in a hallway or sitting room.
20-23ºC is a comfortable living-room for most people; other rooms don't need to be so warm.
17-19ºC is fine for active people, but not warm enough for the less mobile. Below 16ºC is too cold for babies, small children and other vulnerable people." 24-27ºC is too warm and can put babies and young children at risk.
To have your boiler services for the winter. Contact Abbey Boilers today.