Brits are being urged to check their thermostat settings this winter, as a home safety expert reveals the ideal heating temperatures for babies, children, adults and over-70s. Searches for “best way to heat a room” have surged by 100% in the past three months as households look for ways to stay warm without spending a fortune on energy.
However, many people could be making a mistake by following the same heating rule regardless of their age, according to Neil McKenzie, home safety expert at Halton Stairlifts. Mr McKenzie said that heating homes to between 23C and 25C during winter was warmer than recommended for any age group, potentially wasting money and contributing to problems such as dry skin and disrupted sleep.
General rule is too warm
Mr McKenzie said: “Most people are heating their homes incorrectly for their age bracket, which in some instances can lead to health issues and on the other side, unnecessarily high energy bills.
“This is because homeowners follow a general rule of heating to 23-25°C during winter, which is actually warmer than recommended for any age group. This not only wastes money but can cause problems like dry skin and disturbed sleep patterns.”
The expert said the ideal temperature depends on who lives in the property, with babies, children and older people potentially needing different conditions to stay comfortable and safe.
Temperature guidance by age group
Families with young babies need to take particular care because infants cannot regulate their body temperature as effectively as adults. Mr McKenzie said: “For families with young babies, warming the home properly is particularly important as babies cannot regulate their body temperature, making them vulnerable to both overheating and getting too cold. Their rooms should never drop below 16°C during the winter months, even at night.”
For households with children, the expert recommends keeping main living areas between 18C and 20C during the day. He said this could be reduced to around 16C to 18C at night when children are tucked under duvets.
Mr McKenzie explained: “Children tend to be more active than adults around the home, so they generate more body heat naturally. This means they actually need slightly cooler ambient temperatures than you might expect.”
Adults under the age of 50 may be comfortable keeping their homes at around 18C during the day, according to Mr McKenzie. He said this could provide adequate warmth while helping households manage their energy spending during the colder months. The expert added that many adults sleep better in cooler bedrooms, with temperatures of around 15C to 16C potentially suitable when they have appropriate bedding.
Older people need warmer conditions
Older people may need warmer conditions, as circulation and the body's ability to regulate temperature can change with age. Mr McKenzie said: “On the other end of the scale, for those over 70, maintaining proper warmth becomes a serious health concern. Aiming for temperatures between 20-23°C throughout the day is ideal.”
He added: “This is because elderly people have significantly reduced circulation and often take medications that can affect their body's temperature regulation. And cold homes for over-70s aren't just uncomfortable; they can be dangerous.”
The advice comes as households prepare for colder weather and look for ways to balance comfort with rising living costs. While turning up the thermostat may seem like the easiest way to keep warm, the expert warned that heating every room to the same high temperature may not be necessary.
