I asked experts the best thermostat temperature
With temperatures dropping and just a matter of days to go before the clocks go back, people across the UK will soon be engaging in the annual debate on when to switch on the central heating — if they haven't already turned it on, that is. Ofgem's energy price cap went up on October 1, raising bills from £1,663 to £1,723 per year for a household using the typical amount of gas and electricity.
TL;DR
- The general consensus among experts is to set the thermostat at 19-20°C when at home and active.
- Lowering the thermostat by just one degree can save up to 10% on heating bills.
- The NHS recommends heating homes to at least 18°C for elderly individuals or those with certain health conditions.
- For babies, the ideal room temperature is between 16°C and 20°C, with 18°C being optimal.
- Simple tips like closing curtains at dusk, shutting internal doors, and using thermostatic radiator valves can help retain heat.
- Investing in a smart thermostat can fine-tune heating to lifestyle, avoiding energy waste.
- It is advisable to check the heating system before winter by turning it on for a few hours to identify any issues.