Health Conditions Worsened by a Cold Home

Many health conditions that are already severe can be significantly worsened by living in a cold home, such as a home that features inadequate heating.

Fortunately, households with a person suffering from a severe or long-term illness that is made worse by the cold, are eligible for the ECO4 scheme under Route 3.

What Is the Perfect Home Temperature?

Cold Homes

Cold homes have extremely negative impacts on our health. Existing problems are made worse and recurring ones like common colds, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and pneumonia can all be linked to living in these conditions. A cold home can be caused by factors like:

  • Poor insulation in the walls and loft.
  • Drafty doors and windows.
  • High levels of dampness.
  • Exspensive energy bills.

Children and the elderly are very vulnerable in a cold living environment.

What Health Conditions are Eligible?

The person suffering from a long-term health condition must be due to:

A cardiovascular condition 

  • Coronary heart disease
  • Strokes and TIAS
  • Peripheral arterial disease
  • Aortic disease

Respiratory conditions

  • Asthma
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • Covid-19
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Lung cancer
  • Mesothelioma
  • Pneumonia
  • Pulmonary fibrosis
  • Tuberculosis

Limited mobility

  • Cerebral palsy
  • Spina bifida
  • Acquired brain injury
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Arthritis

Immunosuppression

  • Primary disorders that have been present since birth, such as Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID), Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCDI or Alymphocytosis), and Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD).
  • Secondary disorders that develop later and are often the result of certain medications such as AIDS, Cancers of the immune system, immune-complex diseases, and Multiple Myeloma.

Patient Referrals and Evidencing Severe Health Conditions

The patient’s local authority must provide a declaration to certify that it has received a patient referral from a health professional.

This can include National Health Boards and NHS Trusts.

Evidencing

It must be evidence that a referral has been made via a declaration from a relevant healthcare provider:

  • Someone listed in the General Practitioner Register
  • An employee of an NHS Trust or NHS Foundation Trust
  • An employee of an NHS Board

The declaration can be in the form of an email shared directly from a valid NHS email address by the relevant healthcare provider.

Or a letter printed on headed paper, showing the practice, clinic or hospital making the referral or authenticated with a GP surgery stamp.

Summary

If you suffer from long-term or severe health conditions it could be worsened by living in a cold home.

However, thanks to ECO4 Route 3, you could be classed as eligible for energy upgrades to ensure your home is warm and comfortable.

How to Apply for the Free Home Energy Upgrade 

Check Eligibility

You can check if you're eligible using the form bellow.

We Call You

We'll give you a call to explain what you're entitled to and answer questions you have.

Free Survey

A retrofit assessor will carry out a free home survey to make sure your home is suitable.

Installation Time

An accredited and trusted local installer will complete the works on your home.

Comments
What are the Disadvantages of Living in a Cold Home? - Energy Advice Helpline May 29, 2024

[…] cold house is good for no one, and it comes with many disadvantages for our health and well-being, particularly for those who are a little older and even young […]

Frank Lucas July 1, 2024

I live in Cumbria and am 72 years old I have COPD do I qualify

Billy July 2, 2024

Hi there Frank, thank you for your message.

By the looks of things, you may be eligible under the ECO4 Route 3 – Medical Referrals.

Having a health condition like COPD could make you more vulnerable to the effects of living in a poorly heated home. This vulnerability is considered under the ECO4 scheme, especially if it impacts your ability to keep warm and stay healthy.

For more information on this, click the following link: ECO4 Route 3 Medical Referrals Support Hub

Alternatively, you can check your eligibility here: Check Eligibility

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