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Proper Heating in Winter and Heaters

31 December 2023

Air conditioner, spiral heater, or blow heater: which heating measure is the most efficient and safe, and which option consumes excessive electricity and incurs the highest usage costs? Also, which heater is off-limits and what more can be done to maintain body heat and winter safety?

During winter, emergency hotlines receive numerous reports on older adults with cold-related injuries because they could not activate their heating devices for various reasons. Additionally, there are reports of incidents of fires due to the use of unsafe heating appliances or misuse of heating measures.

If you feel unsafe or you think you do not know or cannot operate a heating appliance, it is essential that you seek the help of family members or healthcare providers. Feeling ashamed is a natural response, but prioritizing your safety is crucial. It is important to recognize and address any difficulties you may be experiencing rather than ignore them.

The normal body temperature is 36.6 degrees Celsius. Insufficient heating measures during winter can result in exposure to cold, causing the body temperature to drop below the desired level. This can lead to disruptions in bodily functions and, in extreme cases, result in hypothermia.

Hypothermia is a condition where the body temperature drops below 35 degrees Celsius. This can cause significant harm to multiple body systems and even pose a risk of mortality.

From the age of 65 and over, the risk of exposure to cold and hypothermia, even in a minor temperature drop, increases. The greater the presence of personal, health, and environmental risk factors, such as existing illnesses, poor nutrition, inadequate hydration, improper clothing, and insufficient household heating, the higher the likelihood of cold-related injuries.

Learn about the dangers of cold temperatures by reading further here

Recommendations for properly and safely heating your house

  • Temperatures in different rooms of the house: It is important to maintain a steady temperature in the living rooms in the range of 20–24 degrees Celsius. For added assurance and to effectively regulate the temperature, it is advisable to acquire a thermometer. Thermometers are available for purchase at home stores, baby stores, and pharmacies
  • Sealing your home: Properly preparing the house in advance includes ensuring adequate sealing, with particular attention to areas where air may enter, such as windows and doors.

choosing the heating system

There are several options for heating the house, and each has advantages and disadvantages. The most important detail you must check is whether these options are secure. Additional factors to consider when choosing the right heating system are:

Simple to use

It is advisable to choose a heater that offers remote operation from any location. This feature is especially valuable for older adults who may have difficulty walking or experience imbalances.

Easy mobility

In cases where it is difficult to transport a heavy device, it is essential to look for a portable solution, such as a heater on wheels. It is crucial to keep in mind the importance of unplugging the device from the power source before relocating it.

Price

The expense of purchasing a heater is typically a one-time cost, whereas the operational expenses are recurring on a monthly basis and can accumulate to significant amounts.

Heating benefit

If you experience financial difficulty to purchase a heater, it is advisable to reach out to the social services in your residential area, as they help those in need. Alternatively, you can contact National Insurance, which administers the heating benefit program. This benefit is granted annually to individuals who are eligible for senior citizens or survivors’ allowance, have reached the retirement age, and receive an income supplement or other related benefits.

For further information on the program

The safest heating measures

Before purchasing a heating device, it is important to verify that it bears a sticker indicating approval by the Standards Institute. The Israel Fire and Rescue Services advise the use of a heating device equipped with an automatic shut-off mechanism in the event of a fall.

The most popular and convenient heating device. It is considered a safe appliance as it is usually mounted in elevated positions, ensuring no direct contact between the device and its users. Furthermore, the operational costs are relatively low. In the absence of an air conditioner in your home, it is important to note that acquiring and installing one can be costly.

A safe and extremely efficient heating device for small and medium-sized rooms. At present, there are radiators equipped with remote controls, allowing users to conveniently select their desired level of heating. One drawback of radiators is that they require some time to reach their maximum heating capacity. Therefore, heating may not be immediate but rather takes a certain amount of time (depending on the specific device).

A small heater that has a blower and is suitable for the use of one person or a small area. Blow heaters are not designed to effectively heat the room; instead, they tend to dry out the air. It is crucial to maintain adequate humidity in the room, which can be achieved by placing a full cup of water nearby but away from the electrical device while it is in operation.

After turning off and disconnecting the device from power, it is essential to ensure that it remains free from dust and that the air outlet vents are unobstructed, allowing air to flow freely. Keeping the device clean and maintaining clear airflow is crucial in this regard.

Kerosene heaters, gas heaters, and coil heaters - off limits!

According to the information gathered by the Israel Fire and Rescue Services, coil heaters, as well as gas and kerosene heaters, have been identified as sources of fire and hazards to human safety. Consequently, their use is prohibited.

  • Kerosene heaters (kerosene-powered combustion heaters) emit carbon monoxide and may cause loss of consciousness
  • Gas heaters operate on an open flame, which is dangerous in addition to emitting gas

The use of these heaters is common because they are economical; however, the danger is high; therefore, it is preferable to avoid using them.

Coil heaters are also frequently used but pose a significant safety risk due to their exposed coils. The moment these coils come into contact with a person or if an object like a blanket accidentally falls onto them, there is a high likelihood of a fire hazard.

Recommendations for safe usage of heating devices

  • Maintain a considerable distance (at least 3 meters) between the heating device and flammable items such as blankets, curtains, carpets, and other combustible objects within your home
  • Avoid using splitters or extension cords, and instead, ensure that each appliance is directly connected to a dedicated electrical socket designed for safety purposes
  • Do not leave clothes or any other items on the heating device
  • At the end of using the heating device, switch it off
  • It is crucial not to leave a functioning heating device unattended while sleeping. During sleep, our sense of smell is diminished, making it difficult to detect potential fire hazards

Remember! Even without direct contact, the heat emitted by various heating devices has the potential to ignite a fire.

For further reading

Recommendations for preserving body warmth

Apart from the previously mentioned heating devices, there are numerous other practices across various aspects of life that you can incorporate to retain body warmth:

Clothing

even when staying at home, it is important to dress according to the weather in warm and convenient clothes. If you must go out in exceptionally cold weather conditions, it is crucial to equip yourself with the essential coat, along with a hat, gloves, and scarf.

  • Layers: Wearing layered clothing can be particularly suitable for days when the weather is prone to frequent changes, for example, a very cold morning and a warm afternoon. You should wear layered clothing while ensuring you do not go overboard. Additionally, it is important to choose clothing that allows for comfortable movement without any restrictions.
  • In the morning: When it is cold, it is crucial to wear warm and insulating clothing, as the body is relatively inactive and may struggle to generate its own warmth.
  • At night: When you go to sleep, it is advisable to wear warm clothing as well as socks.

Nutrition

Ensure you enhance your overall well-being and minimize the chances of cold-related injuries by consuming light meals at regular intervals throughout the day (approximately 5–6 times). Remember to avoid heavy meals during this period.

  • Drinking: Regardless of not feeling thirsty, it is advised to ensure an adequate intake of water (around 8-10 cups per day) even during the winter
  • Beverages and warm food: It is advisable to prefer warm food and drinks (although not very hot!) to help preserve body warmth. For example, it is preferable to drink soup instead of a sandwich or warm tea instead of cool water
  • Alcohol and coffee: It is advisable to refrain from drinking alcohol and drinks containing caffeine
    Physical activity at home: To maintain an active lifestyle and improved blood circulation and body warmth while staying at home, it is beneficial to establish consistent routines. For instance, make it a habit to get up and move around the house every hour or engage in physical exercises while watching television.

Physical activity at home

While at home, stay active to improve your circulation and keep your body warm. Embrace habits that will help do it, like getting up at least once at hour and walking around the house or exercising in front of the television.