Why you should set your thermostat to 19 degrees to save money

Millions of Britons are cranking their thermostats to 22°C or higher, making homes from Lossiemouth to Land’s End hotter than Lanzarote, new research reveals.

This is some 3°C above climate change recommendations and is adding hundreds of pounds to energy bills, in a time where costs are soaring thanks to a surge in wholesale prices.

Households could potentially save up to £128 over the year by turning the thermostat down by one degree, according to Uswitch.

The Committee on Climate Change recommends thermostats are set no higher than 19°C in the battle to combat global warming.

One in five UK households set their thermostats to 22°C or higher – hotter than Lanzarote

On average, UK homes are heated to just under 20°C, fractionally lower than last year and marginally above the recommended level for combating climate change.

However, a significant proportion of the country turn the heat up and are likely to tinker with the thermostat more in cold snap like the one currently being experienced in the aftermath of Storm Arwen. 

The comparison website found that one in five households set their thermostats to 22°C or higher.

Furthermore, the research found that 1.4million households heat their properties to 25°C or higher — warmer than it currently is in Sydney, Australia.

This is a big reduction compared to last year, when 2.7million households said they heated their homes to 25°C or above.

Some 13 per cent say they are turning their thermostats down this year, which will help save money and reduce their carbon emissions. 

Regionally, people in Norwich are the most likely to turn their thermostats down this winter, with one in five saying the temperature of their home will be less than last year. 

Glasgow is not far behind with 19 per cent lowering the temperature followed by Newcastle and Bristol and 17 and 16 per cent, respectively.  

Meanwhile, people in Edinburgh and Southampton are the least likely to turn their thermostats down compared to last year, with only 7 per cent saying their temperature will be set lower.

The research also shows that younger people set their heating to 20.5°C on average, while those aged 55 and over heat theirs to 19.4°C.

However, Age UK recommends older people keep the rooms they use most at 21°C.

Will Owen, energy expert at Uswitch, said: ‘By turning thermostats down by just one degree, people could potentially cut their energy costs by an estimated £128 a year.

‘Many people have been turning down the thermostat over the last 12 months. Some will have been prompted to lower their thermostats so they can reduce their bills, while others are likely trying to reduce their carbon footprint.

‘At this time of year it is important to stay warm, and anyone who is worried about paying their energy bills this winter should contact their energy supplier, who can offer advice and support.’

Research conducted online by Opinium in November among 2,000 adults responsible for energy bills.

This post first appeared on Dailymail.co.uk