Turning up the thermostat won't warm your home faster, experts warn

The Met Office and UKHSA have issued weather and cold-health warnings as a rare cold snap brings snow and sub-zero temperatures, and experts say increasing a thermostat setting does not make rooms heat faster and can raise energy use.

A rare cold snap has brought snow and ice across much of the UK, with sub-zero temperatures continuing into the weekend. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow, and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber cold-health alerts for England. Experts say turning up a thermostat does not make rooms reach the desired temperature any faster. Main points: - Officials report widespread snow and sub-zero temperatures and have issued formal weather and health alerts. - The Met Office's yellow snow warning covers large parts of the country through to midday on Friday. - The UKHSA has an amber cold-health alert for England until Friday at 10am and warned of possible impacts on health and social care services and increased risk for people aged 65 and over or with pre-existing conditions. - Energy experts note that raising a thermostat setting controls the target temperature but does not speed up how fast heat circulates through a home. Summary: Officials say the cold snap is likely to affect weather conditions and could put additional pressure on health and social care services, especially for older people and those with health conditions. The Met Office and UKHSA warnings remain in place through Friday with the stated end times above, and further updates are expected from those agencies as conditions develop.