Decarbonisation
Cutting carbon-heavy heating systems in care homes
Accounting for around 70 per cent of a care home’s energy costs, improving heating and water efficiency is the biggest lever for cutting bills. Craig Dolan looks at what care home managers need to know when considering new or upgraded systems.
The average energy cost per person living in a care home is estimated to be £1,233 per year, according to 2024 data from Focus Energy. With UK energy prices predicted to rise this year, there’s a powerful economic argument for decarbonising heating and hot water systems. This is reinforced by the government’s
drive to increase the sustainability of new build and existing properties. Building regulations in England covering conservation of fuel and power, energy
efficiency, ventilation and overheating will be incorporated into the Future Homes Standard, which introduces even stricter regulations from next year.
The importance of hot water and heat in care homes People who live in care homes are vulnerable, with varying and complex physical and health needs, and therefore need consistent, reliable and fast access to heating and hot water around the clock.
People who live in care homes are vulnerable and need
consistent, reliable and fast access to heating and hot water
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www.thecarehomeenvironment.com June 2026 Cold weather increases mortality and
morbidity risk amongst vulnerable adults, with around 25,000 excess winter deaths recorded in England each year. NHS guidance sets 18°C as the safe minimum room temperature, but most care homes aim for 21–23°C in communal and living areas to reflect reduced mobility and comfort needs. Heating failures are particularly serious in
care settings because they affect wellbeing, staff operations and regulatory compliance. That said, low temperatures are not the only concern. Hotter weather is becoming an increasing issue as people who live in care homes are more vulnerable to overheating, so cooling may also need to be considered. When planning heating and hot water
upgrades, every care home is different. Many facilities are situated in older properties with minimal insulation, complex
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