While the days may finally be getting longer, we are very much still in winter, and many households are turning up the heat without considering the impact on their energy bills.
Experts warn that British homes are often overheated, as people chase the same comfort levels regardless of age or need.
With searches for the ‘ideal home temperature’ up 182% from last year, it’s clear that finding the right setting has become a national concern.
Neil Mckenzie, home safety expert at Halton Stairlifts, has explained the exact right temperature for your home, depending on who you have living there.
He said: "Most people are heating their homes incorrectly for their age bracket, which on one side can lead to health issues and on the other, unnecessarily high energy bills.
"This is because homeowners follow a general rule of heating to 23-25°C during winter, which is actually warmer than recommended for any age group. This not only wastes money but can cause problems like dry skin and disturbed sleep patterns.
"For families with young babies, warming the home properly is particularly important as babies cannot regulate their body temperature, making them vulnerable to both overheating and getting too cold. Their rooms should never drop below 16°C during the winter months, even at night.
“On the other end of the scale, for those over 70, maintaining proper warmth becomes a serious health concern. Aiming for temperatures between 20-23°C throughout the day is ideal.
“This is because elderly people have significantly reduced circulation and often take medications that can affect their body's temperature regulation. And cold homes for over-70s aren't just uncomfortable, they can be dangerous.
“For homes with children, you should aim for temperatures between 18-20°C in main living areas during the day. Although this can be reduced to around 16-18°C at night when children are tucked under duvets.
"This is because children tend to be more active than adults around the home, so they generate more body heat naturally. This means they actually need slightly cooler ambient temperatures than you might expect."
“Adults under 50 can comfortably maintain their homes at 18°C during the day. This provides adequate warmth while helping to manage energy costs during the winter months. In fact, many adults actually sleep better in cooler rooms around 15-16°C, provided they have appropriate bedding."
Martin Lewis £10 gadget that could cut energy bills
Martin Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert (MSE) team has highlighted a simple, low-cost gadget that could help households cut costs as winter energy bills land. Many are looking to make savings, and some may already have it sitting unused in their homes.
The device in question is a thermostatic radiator valve (TRV), which typically costs around £10 and allows you to control the temperature of individual radiators.
According to MSE, fitting and properly using these valves could save households around £40 a year on heating bills – a welcome boost at a time when many are watching every penny.
It's advice echoed by LoftZone CEO Dave Raval, who says: “If you have radiators, I’d recommend ensuring each one has its own TRV.
"Many British households rely on one single thermostat to control the temperature, but some rooms often require less heat. Ask yourself, does their bedroom really need to be hot at midday, or just the lounge?
"If not, TRV’s are superb. They’re fitted without any additional plumbing and simply screw on, allowing you to turn down or up individual radiators and saving money in the process."
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