Heating and Building Health If a building is not adequately heated during the winter months, it can cause problems for the residents in terms of comfort, but it can also lead to damage to building fabric and exacerbate issues with
From damp, mould, frozen pipes and – in some of the worst cases – health problems, these are the issues that could occur if you neglect to heat your home.
If it is mildly cold, having the heating off can lead to damp caused by condensation (moisture from normal household activities like breathing and cooking condensing on cold walls). If it is properly cold and the heating is off, the pipes can freeze and burst.
As outlined in this chapter, cold indoor temperatures have been associated with increased blood pressure, asthma symptoms and poor mental health. Cold homes contribute to excess winter mortality and morbidity.
You should never turn your heat completely off in the winter, as you'll risk sustaining plumbing damage and uncomfortable temperatures for your pets. Leaving your heat down has clear advantages, from saving money to a longer-lasting heating system. Reasons to leave the heat down include: Higher energy savings.
Generally, a house will stay warm for 8–12 hours after losing heat. However, without intervention, it will eventually reach outdoor temperatures. If temperatures are frigid outside, maximize the warmth by gathering the family in a small room, wearing many thin layers, and placing towels around windows and doors.
Problems and diseases linked to cold homes range from high blood pressure and common colds, to heart attacks and pneumonia. Besides poor health, cold-related illnesses cause absence from work, social isolation, and sleep deprivation.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends setting your thermostat no lower than 64 degrees (F) in the Winter months while people are in the home. If there are infants or elderly individuals, they recommend keeping the temperature at 70 degrees at a minimum.
“No heating and hot water is considered as an emergency and thus should be resolved within 24 hours as an acceptable 'reasonable time'.”
While it may appear counterintuitive, leaving your heating on overnight during cold weather can actually lower your energy bills over time. You can avoid energy spikes caused by turning your heating on and off throughout the day and night by maintaining a consistent temperature.
There is a downside to this saving: not having the heating on enough can actually lead to the formation of mould. A reduction in room temperature will lead to an increase in the relative humidity which can result in humidity problems such as the formation of condensation on windows or mould.
While chances of freezing to death in your home are small, there's a greater danger of death by fire, lack of oxygen or carbon monoxide poisoning. Safety is of extreme importance in a heating emergency.
If you fail to take reasonable measures to keep your home heated in the winter, not only could you suffer from burst pipes and water damage, you could also face coverage exclusions in your homeowners policy.
Ideally you should heat your home to a temperature of at least 18 °C. This is particularly important if you have reduced mobility, are 65 or over, or have a health condition, such as heart or lung disease. Having room temperatures slightly over 18 °C could be good for your health.
Signs It's Time To Turn On Your Heater
Some signs of when you should turn on your heat include: The outdoor temperature gets cold enough to burst your pipes (anywhere below 50°F) You feel uncomfortably chilly when inside your home. The temperature inside the house is below 64°F.
You should turn your furnace off during the summer if you use it for no other purpose than generating heat. This is because it will continue to use energy even while you're not actively using it. Not only does this increase your monthly utility bills, but it also wears your equipment down when it's constantly in use.
How cold can a house get without heat overnight? The time of day your heater goes out impacts how long the house stays warm. Indoor temperatures go down faster at night, so if your furnace stops overnight, you can expect a quicker decline. This can be as much as 15 degrees Fahrenheit before morning.
Plaster on walls can crumble, and paint or wallpaper can peel. Wooden window frames will start to rot, and even electrical equipment can be damaged as the water causes corrosion on components. Good ventilation in a property helps to reduce the amount of moisture trapped in the air.
The Risks of A Cold Living Environment
Prolonged exposure can aggravate existing conditions, such as asthma and arthritis, and can even create new problems within the body over time. Health conditions that can be worsened or caused by a cold living environment can include: Asthma. Worsening Pulmonary Conditions.
That being said, the average room temperature in most homes falls somewhere between 68 and 76°F. (Interested in learning more about home automation and how it could benefit your family?
Cold homes can also increase the risk of respiratory infections. Certain viruses, such as common cold-causing rhinoviruses, replicate faster in cold noses, while parts of the immune system also become less effective in lower temperatures.
It Can Damage Some Parts of Your Home
A burst pipe, for example, can cost you several thousand dollars. If you turn off the heat in the winter, your pipes may freeze, which is a huge concern that leads to additional expenses.
The World Health Organization recommends a thermostat setting no lower than 68 degrees while you're home. If you have children or seniors in your house, that number increases to at least 70 degrees. If your house is too cold, it can cause problems with blood pressure and circulation, as well as affect your heart rate.