Revealed: The perfect temperature to set your thermostat to keep your home warm and save money this winter
It’s something millions of households argue about every winter: what temperature should you set the thermostat to in your home?
Now a survey of 2,000 Britons has settled the debate once and for all.
According to the research, the ideal temperature for your home is 19.5°C (67.1°F).
While this may sound chilly to many people, the World Health Organization (WHO) actually recommends an even lower temperature of 18°C (64.4°F).
“The temperature in indoor housing must be high enough to protect residents from the harmful health effects of cold,” the WHO explains.
‘For countries with temperate or colder climates, 18°C has been suggested as a safe and balanced indoor temperature to protect the health of the general population during cold seasons.’
However, according to the WHO, certain vulnerable groups may require a higher thermostat temperature.
“A higher minimum indoor temperature than 18°C may be necessary for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children and people with chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases,” it added.
It’s something millions of households argue about every winter: what temperature should you set the thermostat to in your home? Now a survey of 2,000 Brits has settled the debate once and for all (stock image)
For the new research, LoftZone asked 2,000 Brits about their heating habits ahead of winter.
The results showed that more than a quarter (28 percent) of Brits regularly argue with their partner about the heating.
Meanwhile, 18 percent are frustrated by other family members adjusting the temperature.
As energy costs continue to rise in Britain, it’s no surprise that a whopping 96 percent of people continually turn down the heating to save money.
And two-thirds (66 percent) say they are worried about how they will pay for heating this winter.
“The energy crisis remains a pressing issue, with many Britons concerned about heating their homes or those of their families this winter,” said Dave Raval, CEO of LoftZone.
Although this study shows that 19.5°C (67.1°F) is the ideal home temperature, experts have previously recommended slightly different temperatures.
For example, the WHO recommends 18°C, while the Energy Saving Trust recommends heating your home between 18°C and 21°C in winter.
According to the research, the ideal temperature for your home is 19.5°C (67.1°F). While this may sound cold to many people, the World Health Organization (WHO) actually recommends an even lower temperature of 18°C (64.4°F).
‘If you can, lowering your thermostat from 22°C to 21°C can save £90 per year in GB and £100 in NI on energy bills,’ the company explains on its website.
If you’re looking for ways to save on your heating costs, Mr Raval has five top tips:
1. Invest in attic insulation
“Heat rises and in a typical British house 25% of your heat goes through the ceiling into your attic and out through the roof,” he said.
‘Most people have some attic insulation, but you need a lot more than you think.
“The government recommendation is that the minimum is 300 millimeters, which is almost a foot.”
2. Draft proofing
“The first thing I would always do at home is look for drafts,” Mr. Raval said.
“Don’t let the money you spent heating your house seep through the holes!”
3. Install thermostatic radiator valves
“If you have radiators, make sure they all have a TRV – a thermostatic radiator valve,” Mr Raval said.
‘Most homes have one thermostat that regulates your temperature, but many rooms require less heat.’
4. Consider a radiator fan
“As the heat rises, the ceiling heats up first, and only then does the lower part of the room start to heat up,” Mr Raval said.
‘To tackle this, consider a radiator fan, which you can place on top of a radiator.
“It just blows the heat towards you, instead of letting it float up, so you feel warmer faster.”
5. Save hot water
“There are obvious things to save water, such as showering faster and bathing less, but often people forget about the water used when washing dishes,” Mr Raval explains.
‘Use a bowl or plug in the sink to avoid having to wash everything under the hot water tap, which is just heated water you paid for going down the drain!
‘You can also rinse clean dishes, etc. with cold water.’