2 weeks Ago By Katherine McPhillips
Having a properly heated home in winter is important for staying comfortable, and being too cold for long periods can have a major effect on stress levels, sleep, and health. A well- heated home will also protect it as it prevents pipes from freezing and prevents condensation and mould from growing on your walls. However, many people can worry about energy bills piling up in winter as not only is Britain dealing with the cost of living crisis but many people are having to juggle Christmas expenses as well.
Dominic Lees-Bell, an interior expert from Only Radiators has shared that a simple way to keep your home warm and also cut down on energy costs is to have the heating on at the “ideal temperature.” He said: “Some UK studies have shown that the average room temperature is 18C, but the ideal room temperature is 21C. “Increasing your room temperature by just a few degrees will increase your energy bills substantially, so it's best to avoid turning up your thermostat too much.
” Having the temperature at home drop below 18C can actually cause you to use more energy, which will require more power to reheat the home and maintain a constant temperature. The NHS has also stated in their ‘Stay Well This Winter’ campaign that homes need to be at least 18C to stay healthy as breathing in cold air can be bad for your health as it can increase the risk of chest infections. It used to be recommended that the ideal temperature in homes during winter was 21C or above, but this has been found to only be true for anyone elderly or those with health issues.
Having your home warmer than 22C if you are younger and healthy will likely be less energy efficient and cause your bills to increase. Dominic said: “Each degree can actually cost you an extra 10 percent on your heating bill a year. Making the difference between 17 degrees and 30 degrees a 130 percent increase.
” “Even the difference between 22 degrees and 18 degrees is a significant rise in the amount of money that is taken away from you every month, and will probably feel too hot and uncomfortable in the first place.” Higher temperatures above 22C will cause the air in the home to also become excessively dry so it is not likely worth the energy bill cost. During winter, the best way to keep your home energy efficient as well as comfortable is to have occupied rooms at 18C to 22C.
However, anyone vulnerable should always keep the temperature slightly above 22C to stay safe during winter. Dominic said: “The perfect temperature for your heating is somewhere in between 18 and 22 degrees depending on preference - with the lowest number possible being better for your wallet.” If you are still worried about energy bills it is often useful to make sure the radiators have been cleaned so they are working as efficiently as possible and also draught-proof your windows rather than turning up the thermostat this winter.
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