Are Cold Homes Unhealthy?

The uncomfortable truth is that cold indoor temperatures can have a significant impact on our health, and could lead to serious, if not fatal health complications over time. According to the World Health Organization, there are many risks attached to living in a cold home for a prolonged period of time. With a long list of ailments ranging from mild to fatal, the data shows that living in a home under the recommended temperature of 64 degrees Fahrenheit, or below 18 degrees Celsius, can be detrimental. 

The Risks of A Cold Living Environment

Typically, it’s the very young and the elderly who will be the most impacted by these conditions, but even healthy adults aren’t immune to the cold. 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
• Heightened Risk of Infection
• Respiratory Infections
• Circulatory and Cardiovascular Problems
• Heart Attacks and Strokes
• Poor Sleep and Insomnia
• Mental Health Issues such as Depression and Anxiety
• And more

Common Causes of Low Indoor Temperatures

Uninsulated areas of the home are prone to low temperatures.

These issues are most commonly found in areas of mild climate, and affect homes with structural deficiencies, lack proper insulation and air sealing, or have inadequate heating systems and low energy efficiency. 

Due to the way that homes, both new and old, are constructed, once built they are left with many gaps and cracks that air can travel through, such as: 

• Natural settlement cracks in concrete
• Nail holes
• Penetrations around plumbing and electrical wiring
• Vented crawl spaces
• Vented attics
• And more

While older homes may suffer more from these issues, as well as old, inadequate windows and doors, newer homes aren’t exempt from these problems that can arise from improper insulation, lack of air sealing, poor energy efficiency, and outdated heating systems.