Hotter than Ibiza: More than two million households set their thermostats above 23°C despite high energy bills
More than two million households are setting their thermostats at 23°C or above despite energy bills still being at historic highs[1]
On average, households will set their thermostat at 19°C this winter, slightly down from 19.1°C last year[1]
With energy bills still a historic highs, a fifth of households are planning to set their thermostats colder than recommended levels[1]
Glaswegians have the UK’s hottest homes, with thermostats set to 20.2°C on average, while Birmingham residents have the coolest, at 18.3°C[1]
Households can save 10% on their heating bills for every degree they turn down their thermostats[2], with 18°C recommended for healthy people[3]
Uswitch.com offers households advice on how to avoid overspending on heating this winter.
More than two million households are setting their thermostats at or above 23°C[1] — the same temperature as it is in Ibiza[4], reveals new research from Uswitch.com, the comparison and switching service.
The average household switched on their heating around 12th October this year, compared to 10th October in 2022 — delaying the big switch-on by two days[5].
Thermostats are being set at 19°C on average this winter, down very slightly from 19.1°C last year[1].
The average temperature is in line with Energy Saving Trust guidelines, which recommends heating your home to between 18°C and 21°C during winter[2], although the World Health Organisation suggests 18°C for people in good health[3].
A fifth of households (20%) are planning to set their thermostats below the recommended levels to save money, with nearly one in ten (8%) planning to heat their home to 17°C, and 12% at 16°C or lower[1].
Glaswegians have the UK’s hottest homes, setting their thermostats to 20.2°C on average, while Birmingham households will set theirs to the lower end of Energy Saving Trust recommendations at 18.3°C[1].
| City | Average thermostat temperature (°C) |
|---|---|
| Glasgow | 20.2 |
| Manchester | 19.5 |
| Newcastle | 19.4 |
| Edinburgh | 19.3 |
| Bristol | 19.2 |
| Liverpool | 19.2 |
| London | 19.1 |
| Leeds | 18.8 |
| Norwich | 18.8 |
| Nottingham | 18.6 |
| Cardiff | 18.5 |
| Birmingham | 18.3 |
High energy prices mean many households are being cautious over their energy use. Two in five households (44%) will only turn the heating on if they are too cold, while three in ten (30%) will only heat some rooms in their home[6].
The Energy Saving Trust estimates that people can save 10% on their heating bills for every degree they turn down their thermostats[2], though it is recommended that people do not set them lower than 18°C[3].
With temperatures likely to drop soon, Uswitch.com advises households to check their boilers are working and serviced correctly before winter arrives.
Uswitch tips for getting boilers ready for winter
1. Check if your boiler is working. Many of us have had our heating switched off for six months or so, and you don’t want to wait for the first sudden drop in temperatures to discover your boiler isn’t working. Consider getting it serviced if you haven’t had one in the last 12 months. If you have an older boiler, you may want to consider boiler cover.
2. Change your thermostat and boiler settings. Check the temperature on your thermostat and adjust it if required. The World Health Organisation suggests most healthy people should heat their homes to 18°C. Reducing the flow rate on combination boilers to around 60°C can cut heating bills, and you won’t notice the difference.
3. Set a heating schedule if you can. Setting a schedule for your heating to go on and off at set times can help to ensure you are not wasting heat while you are not home. For example, you could choose to have your heating come on before you get up in the morning, and just before you come home from work in the evenings.
4. Change your radiator settings. Get ahead of the first cold spell by checking if your radiators are up to scratch. Bleeding your radiators will prevent cold spots, and you may want to consider turning radiator valves down – or off – in the rooms you use less often so you are not heating rooms unnecessarily. Keep your radiators free from obstructions, like furniture, for maximum heat.
Natalie Mathie, energy expert at Uswitch.com, said: “Two million households say they will be cranking the thermostat to 23°C or above this winter – meaning their homes are currently hotter than Ibiza.
“Having the temperature set too high can have a huge impact on bills, as it is estimated that households may add 10% to their heating costs for every one degree they turn up the thermostat.
“At the other end of the scale, it is worrying that many households plan to turn their heating to low levels to save money – as it is recommended that people set their thermostats to between 18°C and 21°C.
“Households should change their energy habits in a safe way, as getting through winter in a cold home can be a health risk.
“Before temperatures drop, it is worthwhile checking your heating system is ready to go as soon as you need it.
“There’s nothing worse than having your boiler break down when it’s freezing outside, so it makes sense to check your boiler is serviced now.
“If you’ve got a boiler that’s more than five years old, it’s worth looking into boiler cover to protect yourself from any nasty shocks.
“If you can, it is recommended that you set a schedule for when your heating goes on and off so you only warm your home up when you need to, and turn down radiator valves in rooms you are not using so you are not heating them unnecessarily.”
Compare boiler cover at Uswitch.com here.
Notes
Research conducted online by Opinium, 15th to 19th September 2023, among 2,000 UK residents, weighted to be nationally representative.
1. Respondents were asked ‘What temperature did you / will you set your thermostat to each year? Please think of the temperature your heating will come on at when you first put this on’. 19.1°C was the average temperature last year, and 19°C is the average this year. 10% of households will set their thermostat above 23°C while 20% will set it below 17°C. See regional table in release for average temperatures by city.
2. Energy Saving Trust.
3. World Health Organisation.
4. BBC Weather - temperature in Ibiza, correct as of 24/10/2023.
5. Respondents were asked ‘When did you turn on your heating last year and when will you turn on your heating this year?’ October 12 was the average date for this year, and October 10 was the average date for last year. 385 people said they will put it on in November or later. 385 out of 1274 who know when they’ll turn the heating on = 30%. 30% of 28.1 million UK households = 8.49 million households. 84 out of 1274 who know when they’ll turn the heating on = 6.6%. 6.6% of 28.1 million UK households = 1.9 million households. 125 households say ‘I did not/will not turn my heating on’. 125 / 2000 x 28.1 million households = 1.8 million.
6. Respondents were asked ‘Will you do any of the following this winter as a result of high energy prices?’ 44% said ‘I will only turn on the heating if I am too cold’, 30% said ‘I will only heat some rooms in my home (i.e. turn some radiators off)’.
About Uswitch
Uswitch is one of the UK’s top comparison websites for home services switching, including energy, broadband and mobiles.
More people go to Uswitch to switch their energy, broadband and mobile than any other site, and we have saved consumers over £2.7 billion off their bills since we launched in September 2000.
Free mobile app Utrack also helps households manage their home energy usage and make potential savings.
Uswitch is part of RVU, a group of online brands with a mission to empower consumers to make more confident home services, insurance and financial decisions.