Potential Issues & Damage Caused by Cold Indoor Temperatures
January 14, 2025
Categories: Heating
Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to indoor temperatures — some people can only function when the heat is on full blast, while others thrive in a space that’s a bit on the chilly side. It’s completely okay to adjust your home’s comfort level to suit your standards, but during the winter months, it’s essential to recognize the potential risks of keeping your house too cold. Beyond simply feeling uncomfortable, there are real effects on your health, your home, and your wallet.
Let’s take a closer look at how cold indoor temperatures can impact both you and your home.
How a Cold Home Affects Your Health
It’s no secret that cold temperatures can make you feel miserable, but it’s not just a matter of discomfort — there are legitimate health risks that come with keeping your home too cold during the winter.
Increased Risk of Cold-Related Illnesses
Prolonged exposure to cold indoor temperatures can weaken your immune system, making you more vulnerable to colds, the flu, and other respiratory illnesses. Why is this? Well, when your body is working overtime to stay warm, it becomes harder for your immune defenses to fight off germs. So, remember, not turning the heat on during the cold months can create an environment where it’s easier than ever to get sick.
Joint and Muscle Pain
Extremely cold temperatures can exacerbate joint and muscle pain, particularly in older adults or those with arthritis. When your core body temperature is low, blood flow to your extremities slows, which can make joints feel stiff and achy. If you live in Akron, OH, where winters can be harsh, ensuring that your home stays at a comfortable, consistent temperature can help prevent unnecessary pain.
Worsened Respiratory Conditions
Cold air can irritate your airways and worsen respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis. Dry air, which often accompanies low indoor temperatures, can further aggravate your lungs, making it difficult to breathe comfortably. Maintaining an ideal temperature for the home can help keep the air more stable and reduce unnecessary respiratory stress.
Higher Blood Pressure
Spending a significant amount of time in cold environments can cause your blood vessels to constrict, which increases blood pressure. For individuals with existing heart conditions or hypertension, this can be especially dangerous. So, instead of spending time in a cold home that forces your cardiovascular system to work harder to circulate blood, turn the heat up and keep your body’s core temperature at safe levels.
Poor Sleep
A cold room can disrupt your sleep patterns, making it harder to fall and stay asleep throughout the night. While cooler temperatures are generally better for sleep, excessively cold air can steal away your body heat, leaving you uncomfortable and causing you to wake up frequently.
Decreased Mental Health
Living in a cold home for extended periods can negatively impact your mental health. Constant discomfort and stress caused by cold temperatures can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and a generally foul mood. For individuals already struggling with mental health, cold environments can exacerbate these issues, making it essential to maintain a warm and comfortable home.
Danger of Hypothermia
While hypothermia is typically associated with the outdoors, it can happen indoors as well if your home is excessively cold. Older adults, young children, and those with health conditions are especially at risk. Holding off on heating your home during the winter can quickly lead to dangerously low body temperatures, so it’s important to stay vigilant.
How Cold Indoor Temperatures Affect Your Home
Keeping the heat off doesn’t just impact your health — it can also wreak havoc on your home. Many homeowners don’t realize the extent of the damage caused by cold indoor temperatures until something goes wrong. Here are some of the most common ways a cold house can spell trouble for your property:
Frozen or Burst Pipes
One of the biggest risks of not turning the heat on is frozen pipes. When temperatures drop too low inside your home, the water in your pipes can freeze, causing the pipes to expand and potentially burst. A burst pipe can lead to significant water damage, costly repairs, and major inconvenience. If you live in Akron, OH, where temperatures regularly drop below freezing, it’s essential to keep your heating system running to protect your plumbing.
Structural Damage
Cold conditions and fluctuating humidity levels can cause structural damage to your home over time. For instance, wooden components like doors, frames, and flooring can warp, crack, or split when exposed to excessively cold air. Drywall and paint may also show signs of wear, such as peeling or cracking.
Damage to Appliances and Electronics
Many household appliances and electronic devices are sensitive to temperature changes. Cold air can cause components in your appliances to become brittle or malfunction, leading to issues with performance or even breakdowns. If your heating system isn’t working correctly, consider seeking a professional heating repair in Akron, OH, to avoid costly damage.
Increased Moisture and Mold Growth
When your home isn’t properly heated, condensation can form on windows, walls, and ceilings, especially if there are significant temperature differences between inside and outside. Over time, this excess moisture can lead to mold growth, which can be harmful to both your health and your home’s structure.
Unpleasant Drafts and Cold Spots
When a house remains cold for an extended period, drafts and cold spots can become more noticeable. Poor insulation and gaps around windows and doors will allow cold air to infiltrate your space, making it even harder to keep warm when you do turn the heat on. Regular heating maintenance and proper insulation can help address these issues caused by cold indoor temperatures.
Don’t Wait to Address Heating Issues
While it might seem like no big deal to keep your home on the chilly side or avoid turning on the heat altogether, the long-term effects can be more severe than you might expect. From health risks to costly property damage, not heating your home properly in the winter can create significant problems.
If your heater isn’t performing the way it should, don’t hesitate to reach out to Martinov Home Solutions for help. We proudly serve Akron, OH, and the surrounding Northeast Ohio area, offering reliable furnace repair services and professional heating solutions to keep your home warm, safe, and comfortable. Whether you’re dealing with inconsistent temperatures, a complete breakdown, or something in between, our experienced team can provide the repairs and maintenance you need so your heating system runs efficiently all winter long. Contact us today to schedule a service!