Households urged to shut their curtains at 4pm by the Met Office

As autumn begins to settle, many households will be bracing for a significant drop in temperature over the next few weeks. While some may find the colder weather a minor annoyance, it can pose serious health for others.

The cold can cause your blood to thicken and increase your blood pressure and the freezing air can even lead to chest infections. Risk of damp and mould is also heightened in winter, which can cause respiratory issues and allergic reactions.

To help people stay safe and warm, the Met Office has issued practical advice on how to combat the cold this winter. One nifty piece of advice includes closing curtains at dusk, around 4pm. to keep the warmth inside your home.

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The guidance states: "Draw your curtains at dusk to help keep the heat generated inside your rooms."

For maintaining a healthy indoor environment, the Met Office suggests keeping homes at a minimum of 18C, especially for those over 65 or with certain health conditions like heart or lung disease, or limited mobility. It's also recommended to keep bedroom windows closed at night, reports the Express.

Insulating your property is another vital step in keeping warm while managing energy costs. This includes installing draught proofing, ensuring adequate loft insulation of at least 10-11 inches (270 mm), and insulating wall cavities.

Additional recommendations include insulating your hot water cylinder and pipes and making sure radiators are not covered by curtains or furniture. The Met Office also offers guidance on conserving energy at home.

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