Temperatures in the UK have dropped significantly this week as summer makes way for autumn.
While the weather is expected to perk up again later in September, Brits are bracing for the cold again as winter approaches.
Colder temperatures are just an annoyance for some. But, for others, they represent a health risk.
The cold can cause your blood to thicken and increase your blood pressure, while the freezing air can even lead to chest infections.
That is why the Met Office has given Brits advice on how to combat the cold this winter, including warning everyone to shut their curtains “at dusk”, around 4pm, each day.
The advice read: “Draw your curtains at dusk to help keep the heat generated inside your rooms.”
The service recommends that the temperature in your home should be at least 18C, adding that this is especially important if you are 65 or over, have a health condition such as heart or lung disease, or have reduced mobility. At night, the Met Office also said, it is important to keep your bedroom window closed.
Other advice includes:
Heating and insulating your home.
Keeping the heat in.
Insulating your home not only keeps you warm but will also help to keep your energy costs down.
Fit draught proofing to seal any gaps around windows and doors.
Make sure that your loft has at least 10-11 inches (270 mm) of insulation. Any home with 4 inches (100 mm) or less should have it topped up.
If you have wall cavities, make sure that they are insulated too.
Insulate your hot water cylinder and pipes.
Draw your curtains at dusk to help keep the heat generated inside your rooms.
Make sure that your radiators are not obstructed by curtains or furniture.
The Met Office also advises people on how to save energy at home.
The UK weather agency urged people to set their heating to come on just before they get up and switch it off after they’ve gone to bed.
If you are unable to heat all of your rooms, the Met Office said you should heat the living room during the day and the bedroom before you go to bed.
You should also close the curtains and shut the doors to keep in the heat.
People can also use draft excludes to stop cold air from entering their homes and warm air from getting out.
The Keep Warm Keep Well booklet produced by the Government also offers advice on how to ensure you are using your energy as efficiently as possible.
If you are using blankets and fire heaters, make sure you use them safely. Keep electric heaters away from flammable materials like curtains and furniture, and always unplug them when going to bed.
For open fires, sweep your chimney and use a fireguard.