Heating guidance during cold snap suggests 18–21C for homes

Parts of the UK are under Met Office snow and ice warnings and the Met Office is reported as advising homes be heated to at least 18C; the Energy Saving Trust is reported as recommending thermostats generally be set between 18C and 21C and noting potential savings from lowering from 22C to 21C.

Parts of the UK are under Met Office weather warnings for snow and ice as temperatures fall. Cold and icy conditions are drawing attention to the importance of keeping living spaces warm, particularly for older people and those with long-term health conditions. The Met Office is reported as saying homes should ideally be heated to at least 18C. The Energy Saving Trust is reported as advising thermostat settings generally between 18C and 21C. Key points: - The Met Office is reported as recommending a minimum room temperature of 18C, especially for people aged 65 and over or those with health conditions. - The Energy Saving Trust is reported as advising thermostats generally be set between 18C and 21C to avoid overheating while maintaining comfort. - The Trust is reported as saying that turning a thermostat down from 22C to 21C could save about £90 a year in Great Britain and about £100 in Northern Ireland. - It is reported that some people choose to have heating come on around half an hour before waking, and the Energy Saving Trust warned against leaving some boilers on low throughout the day. - The Met Office has active snow and ice warnings for areas including Scotland, the East Midlands, North East England, North West England, the West Midlands and Yorkshire, and a separate Northern Ireland alert was active from 5pm yesterday until 10pm this evening. Summary: The guidance highlights potential health concerns for vulnerable people during the cold snap while giving a reported thermostat range to aim for in homes. Further weather warnings may be needed as conditions evolve.