As temperatures drop, you might find yourself dealing with increased physical and mental stress. When your home becomes a refrigerator, it’s not just your comfort that suffers. Poor heating contributes to various health issues. These four crucial issues underpin the very real dangers of living in a cold house.
1. Breathing Difficulties
Cold air can irritate your respiratory system, making you more susceptible to coughs, colds, and even more serious conditions like bronchitis and pneumonia. The risk is greater for kids and people with existing illnesses. A recent study found children in cold homes were 47% more likely to develop a wheeze.
2. Cardiovascular Problems
As your body adjusts to a cold environment, your blood pressure can rise, putting extra strain on your heart and circulatory system. This can increase the risk of heart attacks, particularly for residents with underlying cardiovascular conditions.
3. Weakened Immune System
Constant exposure to temperatures below 59 degrees Fahrenheit or 15 degrees Celsius can disrupt your body’s natural defenses, making it harder to fight viruses and bacteria. Over time, you become more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
4. Muscular Issues
Cold temperatures can cause your muscles to tense and become stiff, leading to aches. It can also worsen arthritis symptoms, causing increased discomfort. Additionally, icy surfaces around cold homes heighten the risk of falls, particularly for older adults.
What Temperature Is Too Cold For A House?
During winter, experts recommend keeping indoor temperatures between 64 degrees F and 75 degrees F and a minimum of 64 degrees F for the young and elderly. This advice aligns with World Health Organization guidelines, though feel free to consult your physician, depending on your specific needs. People often have varying thresholds — for example, a person with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may need a warmer climate to prevent flare-ups.
How Can Cold Homes Impact Your Mental Health?
The cold and longer nights of winter can take a toll on your mood, making you feel depressed and anxious without solid cause. A UK study shows people who move into a cold house are roughly 1.5 times more likely to experience severe mental distress than those in warm homes.
You may be less likely to invite friends and family over or avoid going out altogether because of the weather. Decreased social interaction increases isolation and loneliness.
Shorter daytime hours and reduced exposure to sunlight can also lead to persistent feelings of sadness, potentially triggering seasonal affective disorder. The added stress of an uncomfortable living environment can make it more challenging to manage symptoms like fatigue, irritability and difficulty concentrating.
3 Steps To Mitigate Cold Home Risks
The health effects of living in a cold house are often too compelling to ignore. Follow these steps to create a warmer and comfier environment.
1. Enhance Insulation
Improving your home’s insulation is one of the most effective ways to retain heat. Start by checking for gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and other areas where heat can escape. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal these openings.
2. Upgrade Windows
Consider upgrading to energy-efficient windows with better insulation that can significantly reduce heat loss. The two main features to look for in a cold-weather window are a U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient (SGHC) ratings. The U-factor measures the window’s insulation, while the SHGC measures how much heat from the sun a window lets into your home. Experts recommend getting panes with the lowest U-factor and highest SGHC to maximize heat retention and power efficiency.
3. Install a Smart Thermostat
Upgrading to a smart thermostat allows you to program heating schedules based on your daily routine, ensuring your house is warm when you need it. These systems can also reduce heating and cooling costs. Smart thermostats that meet Energy Star or similar institution criteria save you about 8% of your energy bill annually.
Get Your Home Ready For The Cold Season
Living in a cold house can harm your health, from respiratory issues and cardiovascular strain to increased feelings of isolation and even seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Now is the time to assess your living conditions and take action to safeguard your wellbeing during the chilly months.