Boiler expert shares 'ideal’ temperature to heat homes to in winter

Heating the home in winter is extremely important to prevent frozen pipes and protect residents from certain illnesses. However, with rising energy bills, this just isn't feasible for many families. To help Britons make the most out of their heating, an expert has shared the "ideal" room temperature to try and achieve.

Andy Kerr, Founder at Boxt, said: "The ideal room temperature during the winter is between 18C and 20C. During the winter months, it can be tempting to crank up the thermostat.

"However, experimenting with different temperatures can both reduce energy bills and potentially lead to a better night's sleep.

"Instead of setting one temperature across the whole day, try switching between daytime and nighttime temperatures, as this may make you more comfortable at home and also reduce your energy usage."

According to the pro, smart thermostats make this especially easy to programme and mean you can control the heating very easily.

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Andy added: "It is a myth that leaving your heating switched on all the time will help you save money on your energy bills. This is not the case, as your boiler will be continually using energy.

"Instead, it is much more energy-efficient and cheaper to set your boiler so it only fires up when you require warm water or heating, and only set your thermostat to the temperature you want your home to be.

"Cranking the thermostat up more won't make the system heat up any faster, but will mean it continues burning energy for longer to reach that higher temperature."

The constant burning of fuel to heat your home will not only result in energy being used, but also energy being lost.

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The pro noted: "In a standard home, heat loss can be quite significant compared to the heat you’re putting into it through your boiler and radiators, although if your home is well insulated, heat loss shouldn't be too much of a concern."

However, in the winter months, Britons should be especially mindful of what temperature they are setting their thermostats to.

This is because when the weather is frosty, there is a high chance the water in your boiler system could freeze if not being used at all. Not only will this cause damage to your heating system, it may also result in frozen pipes.

Andy said: "It's generally advised to keep the thermostat of a minimum of at least 10C to avoid the risk of your pipes freezing."

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David Lukeman, Managing Director of North West Heating Solutions, said that the perfect room temperature is different for everyone, and so this is often down to personal preferences.

However he said that "12C is too cold" and keeping your home at this low temperature runs the risk of damp and mould growing as well as residents becoming ill.

It is important to keep babies and elderly people warm during the winter months as they are sensitive to a change in temperature.

According to the Lullaby Trust, the optimal temperature for infants is between 16C and 20C.

If you are not heating the home often, it is best to take methods to try and keep as much heat inside the home as possible. This includes keeping curtains closed and making use of rugs.

David Miloshev, Certified Electrician from Fantastic Services, said: "There are a surprising amount of clever little tricks you can use to keep yourself warmer and your bills lower. I’ve gathered some of the best ones for you to have in mind.

"Keep your blinds and/or curtains open during the hours of the day when the sun is shining towards your windows and close them when it starts to set. By letting the rays of the sun shine into your home, you are taking advantage of the free solar heat.

"By closing the blinds/curtains afterwards helps create a good insulating layer and lets you keep that free warmth you’ve gathered throughout the day."