With temperatures dropping and the clocks about to go back, UK households face the annual question of when to turn on central heating. Energy and plumbing experts have shared their advice on the best thermostat settings to balance comfort and cost.
The 20°C Sweet Spot
George Penny, energy expert at The Solar Co, said: "The sweet spot for most UK households is 20°C when you are at home and active. It is warm enough for the vast majority of people to feel comfortable, but it stops your heating system from running longer than it needs to."
Penny added that setting the thermostat higher tells the boiler to keep working until it reaches a temperature you are unlikely to need, and suggested setting heating to come on about 30 minutes before waking up.
Different Needs for Different Households
For elderly people, those with health conditions such as heart or lung disease, or anyone not very mobile, the NHS recommends heating the home to at least 18°C. Penny noted that those under 65 who are healthy and active can safely have a cooler home, but advised not dropping below 16°C for extended periods to avoid damp.
For households with babies, the Lullaby Trust recommends keeping a baby's room between 16°C and 20°C, with 18°C as the sweet spot. Overheating is a known risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome, so it is safer for babies to be a little cooler.
Expert Recommendations on Settings
Patrick Garner, gas safe engineer at Heatable, said: "For most people, 19°C to 20°C is a good starting place for a thermostat. It's best to begin with a lower baseline and increase the temperature as you need it, so you're not paying more than you have to."
Stephen Hankinson, energy efficiency expert at Electric Radiators Direct, advised starting to heat the home once temperatures fall below 15°C, aiming for a minimum of 18°C in living spaces. He also recommended running a few quick checks on the heating system before cold weather sets in.
Lee Saunders, plumbing and heating expert at Toasty.co.uk, said: "Turning down the heat by just one degree can save you up to 10% on your heating bills. I recommend keeping your rooms in the 18°C-21°C range."
Nick Duggan, director at The Radiator Centre, advised using thermostatic radiator valves to heat only regularly used rooms, keeping the thermostat at 18-20°C in living spaces, and pairing this with simple tricks like closing curtains at dusk and shutting internal doors. He also suggested investing in a smart thermostat to fine-tune heating to lifestyle and avoid energy waste.
