Exact temperature you should heat your house this winter, according to the NHS

The exact temperature you should heat your house to this winter has been revealed.

Despite the random patches of warm weather, many of us are starting to dust off the winter coat and sure enough the thermal vests.

That horrible time of year - or the most wonderful time of the year, depending on how you look at it - is now upon us as some will be forced to choose between heating or food this Christmas.

Amid a cost-of-living crisis, the ONS said 34 percent of those reporting rising living costs said they were using less gas and electricity at home, while 31 percent said they were spending less on food.

If you are yet to turn your heating on since the summer, heating specialists at BestHeating say, in line with Met Office data, Brits can expect to be turning on the heating on 20 October.

Yes, literally next week.

The experts have also suggested that we might make it until 2 November, depending on how cold it gets.

Jess Steele, heating technology expert at BestHeating, explains: “Whilst there isn’t an optimum time to switch heating on, our research shows that once temperatures are below 15°C, usually in the middle of October, it is best to turn the heating on as we feel the chill more.

"By the end of the month, even the hardiest among us will have our heating on to keep warm as temperatures are predicted to drop further.”

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In terms of the exact temperature you should set your heating to, the NHS advises to put your heating on to at least 18°C when temperatures outside drop below 15°C.

According to the NHS, some people are more vulnerable to the effects of cold weather.

This includes:

• people aged 65 and older
• babies and children under the age of 5
• people on a low income (so cannot afford heating)
• people who have a long-term health condition
• people with a disability
• pregnant women
• people who have a mental health condition

The NHS also notes that 'if you're under 65, healthy and active, you can safely have your home cooler than 18C, as long as you're comfortable'.

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Steele added: "20.8°C is the average thermostat setting in the UK, but 18°C should keep you comfortably warm throughout the colder months.

"This can save up to 10% on a fuel bill or an estimated £80.

"A clever way to assess if the heating is too warm is to turn the thermostat down by one °C and see how you feel."