Warmer homes, better health

We may not want to admit it, but as we get older we face an increased risk of health problems. But how many of us recognise how important a warm home is to our health and wellbeing?

Indeed, research has shown that cold temperatures can increase your heart rate, blood pressure and risk of chest infections. Keeping the most used rooms in your home warm could help to prevent your health being adversely affected by the cold. The recommended temperatures are 21°C for the living room and 18°C for the bedroom, but can be higher depending on personal preference, your age and level of mobility.

At npower Health Through Warmth, we work closely with Care & Repair Cymru to help vulnerable older people stay warm at home by, for example, replacing broken boilers or installing heating systems and loft and cavity wall insulation.

That’s why we’re supporting Care and Repair Week and reminding people, both clients and caseworkers, that help from npower Health Through Warmth may be available to vulnerable homeowners who have a long term cold-related illness, a low income with little or no savings and who are unable to fully fund the work required. You do not have to be, or become, an npower customer to benefit from the scheme.

To date, through our work with Care & Repair Cymru, more than 200 older people in Wales have been referred to us for help with heating and insulation. As a result we have levered more than £150,000 to help fund the work required, which includes £130,000 from the unique npower Health Through Warmth Crisis Fund.

For more information, or to find out if you or someone you know could be eligible for help, contact your local Care & Repair Agency on 0300 111 3333.


Elaine Midwinter
Scheme Manager
npower Health Through Warmth
www.healththroughwarmth.com