Outcomes from the Victorian Healthy Homes Program: a randomised control trial of home energy upgrades.

Summary: Living in a cold, drafty house isn't just uncomfortable; it can be dangerous for your health, especially if you are older. A recent study in Australia fixed up homes for vulnerable seniors by adding insulation and draft-proofing before winter arrived. The results were impressive: not only did these homes stay warmer while using less gas, but the residents also reported significantly better mental health and less breathlessness. Perhaps most surprisingly, the cost of the home upgrades was largely offset by savings in healthcare costs. It turns out that a warmer home is a powerful prescription for better health.