British Gas, OVO, EDF, EON, Octopus customers warned thermostat trend is 'jeopardising health'

British Gas, OVO, EDF, EON and Octopus customers have been warned over a thermostat trend which is "jeopardising" health. As we head towards Christmas, more and more UK households are desperately trying to save money on their energy bills.

Many are opting to limit their shower usage and even restrict the amount of time their boilers are on. But Stephen Hankinson, an energy efficiency expert at Electric Radiators Direct, warned that your home shouldn't dip below 18C.

According to Public Health England: “Heating homes to at least 18°C (65F) in winter poses minimal risk to the health of a sedentary person, wearing suitable clothing.” They report that living in homes where the indoor temperature is below 18°C can increase the risk of health problems

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Hankinson said: "It sounds simple, and it is. This is the easiest way to cut your bill and probably the best in monetary value too. If your thermostat is attempting to reach a temperature of 22°C -23°C each day, you’re unlikely to notice the effect of dropping it a degree or two."

He added: "You may need to add another layer of clothing, but you will save more money for each degree you can withstand taking your thermostat down by. Going by the latest average usage figures, dropping from 21°C to 18°C could save over £300 a year."

Dr Rebecca Hill, Senior Public Health Specialist for Public Health Wales, said “Our recommendations are based on the extensive evidence that home temperatures below 18°C can be harmful to health and wellbeing. We recognise that people who are older or have a health condition or disability are at particular risk of negative health and wellbeing outcomes in cold homes.

“However, the broader vulnerability to cold homes should be recognised; for example, low-income households and those who didn’t own their home were at increased risk of reporting the negative outcomes measured.

“As such, home heating guidelines should be updated over time as we learn more about how and which people are vulnerable to cold homes and how, with this important knowledge, we can seek to address any health inequalities that result.” Dr Kat Ford, Research Fellow at Bangor University, said “Our household survey took place at a time when the costs of energy and other household essentials were starting to increase, but before the peak in energy bills. It is likely that this winter more people in Wales could struggle to adequately heat their homes.

“Therefore, it is important that members of the public can access information and advice on keeping healthy and safe at home in winter.”