Heating controls specialist Drayton is urging installers to educate the elderly on how to use heating controls effectively to ensure they are kept comfortable, safe, and warm.

Recent research from the department of Business, Energy & industrial Strategy (formerly DECC) shows there are 602,000 older households living in fuel poverty in England.

Additionally, the most recent figures from the Office of National Statistics show there were 28,500 ‘excess winter deaths’ among people aged 65 and over in England and Wales in 2012/2013, highlighting that the colder months can be a dangerous time for older people.

They may be living in poorly insulated accommodation with an inefficient heating system, putting them at risk of becoming fuel poor, which can cause serious health complications.

Fuel poverty can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and respiratory problems, depression, worsening arthritis, complications with diabetes and other chronic conditions.

However, by correctly using heating controls, the elderly are able to take greater control of their energy consumption – making sure they feel comfortable while minimising usage.

Simon May, product manager at Drayton Controls, explains: “We often find older generations are not able to use their heating controls effectively – it could be that the devices are too complicated to programme, or that they have arthritis or poor eyesight preventing them from operating them.

“So there is the opportunity for the installer or electrician to help by recommending and installing effective and easy to use heating controls, and ensuring they demo them properly so customers understand how to use them.”