As October draws to a close, many households will be firing up their heating once more as temperatures begin to drop. It can be tempting to use the heating sparingly or dial down the thermostat to keep energy bills in check.
However, maintaining the right temperature in your home goes beyond mere comfort, as a cold house is far more vulnerable to condensation and mould. A chilly home can also pose risks to vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and young children.
Recommended temperatures for different rooms
The Energy Saving Trust recommends warming your home to the lowest comfortable temperature, which for most people falls between 18°C and 20°C. The ideal indoor temperature will vary from room to room, depending on the room's purpose and how frequently it is used.
As a general rule of thumb, British Gas recommends that a living room be kept between 20°C and 22°C, while a hallway, landing, or storage area can be maintained between 15°C and 18°C. For adult bedrooms, aim for 16°C to 18°C; for babies, aim for 16°C to 20°C.
Advice for older residents
British Gas noted that newborn babies aren't very good at regulating their temperature, so it's important that they don't get too hot or too cold. Alongside monitoring the thermostat, you can retain warmth by drawing the curtains and eliminating draughts.
For older residents, Age UK recommends heating the principal living areas to a steady, comfortable temperature, typically around 18°C. These temperatures should prove adequate for spaces such as the living room and bedroom. It was also noted that turning down radiators in rarely used rooms can help reduce costs.
Ways to heat your home more efficiently
For those concerned about energy bills this year, British Gas has outlined several ways to heat your home more efficiently. These suggestions include draught-proofing around doors, windows, keyholes, and letter boxes to prevent heat from escaping.
Improving insulation in walls, lofts, and floors can also help retain warmth where it is needed most, while keeping your boiler and heating system properly maintained remains equally important.
