This study was conducted in the North East of Scotland during autumn, winter and spring 2004–05 and sought to determine whether health status of 148 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was associated with the number of hours when homes reached recommended Home Energy Efficiency guidelines of indoor warmth (21°C for ≥9 hours/day in living areas). Patients with fewer days with ≥9 hours of warmth at 21°C in the living room had significantly poorer respiratory health status; this was independent of age, lung function, smoking and outdoor temperatures. Patients who were current smokers showed more benefit of indoor warmth on health status than non-smokers.
