As temperatures begin to drop across the UK, many of us will soon be considering turning up the thermostat.

But with the cost of energy reaching exorbitant heights, no one wants to waste a penny on unnecessary heating.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended temperature for your home is 18°C ​​(64.4°F).

However, experts have criticized the global health body’s recommendation, saying it could lead to disease and poor health.

To stay warm and safe this winter, health experts say instead, the thermostat should be set to at least 20°C (68°F).

That’s just slightly warmer than the UK’s preferred temperature of 19.5°C (67.1°F), revealed in a survey of 2,000 Britons.

And it’s not just experts who criticized the WHO’s suggested thermostat temperature, several members of the public flocked to X (formerly Twitter) to express their outrage.

One irate commenter wrote: “I will determine what temperature I want my thermostat to be based on my preferences and that is no one’s business but me. »

Heating and health experts have criticized the World Health Organization’s recommendation that people heat their homes to a freezing temperature of 18°C ​​(64.4°F). Experts suggest temperatures should be kept at 20°C (68°F) (file photo)

Social media users reacted furiously to the WHO suggestion, with one commenter saying their thermostat was “no one’s business but me”.

According to the WHO, a temperature of 18°C ​​is sufficient for most healthy and suitably dressed people.

The WHO states: “Indoor temperatures of homes should be high enough to protect residents from the adverse health effects of cold.

“For countries with temperate or colder climates, 18°C ​​has been proposed as a safe and well-balanced indoor temperature to protect the health of the general population during cold seasons.”

However, heating experts say that target might be too low for many people to remain comfortable.

Thomas Balogun, founder of property development company Atlantic Edge, told MailOnline: ‘For winter, I would recommend setting your thermostat between 20°C (68°F) during the day when you are at home and active . »

“At night or when you’re away, turning it down to around 60-62°F (15-16°C) can save energy while keeping your home comfortable.”

Similarly, Matthew Sheeran, a money saving expert from Money Wellness, told MailOnline: ‘Setting your thermostat to the right temperature is essential for both staying warm and keeping heating bills affordable this winter .

“We recommend that households set their thermostat between 18 and 21°C (64.4 and 70°F). »

As energy prices rise, it may be tempting to turn down the heating to save money, but experts warn that keeping the temperature at just 18°C ​​(64.4°F) could result in health complications. It is a particular concern for the elderly or vulnerable (file photo)

With energy prices so high, it’s understandable that many people are concerned about rising heat.

Until early 2025, gas prices will be capped at 6.24 pence per kilowatt hour (kWh) and electricity at 24.50 pence per kWh.

According to Mr Sheeran, this puts the average household energy bill at between £1,000 and £1,200 a year.

“But by increasing it slightly, the bills quickly start to increase,” he added.

“At 23 degrees the annual bill rises to £1,400, rising to £1,600 at 25 degrees and £1,800 at 27 degrees.”

However, health experts warn that it is still important to ensure your home is adequately heated, despite rising costs.

Thorrun Govind, pharmacist and health expert, told MailOnline: ‘We’re in a cost of living crisis, so I can understand why people might consider the temperature they heat their home to.’

However, Ms Govind also points out that older people and those living in poor quality housing are at particularly high risk of cold-related illness.

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Social media users said that even at levels above WHO-recommended temperatures, they suffered from cold hands and uncomfortable homes.

Ms Govind says: “In winter, the frequency of circulating infections like colds and flu is higher, so we need to be very mindful of the temperature we are in in the house.

“And if the house is damp and cold, we have a risk of mold which risks increasing the risk of illness and in particular asthma.”

In light of these concerns, Ms Govind believes that 18°C ​​“might not be the right suggestion for those most at risk”.

Ms Govind adds: “What I would say to people is that 18°C ​​is the minimum.”

Similarly, Tom Edmunds, managing director of thermostat company Wunda, told MailOnline: ‘A study by Public Health Wales found that exposure to temperatures of 18C or lower at home was associated with to negative health effects, it is therefore generally advisable to set a minimum room temperature of 18°C ​​in rooms in which you spend long periods of time.

However, Edmunds adds that rooms, even when unused, should never be allowed to drop below 13°C (55.4°F), as this significantly increases the risk of mold growth.

The WHO recommendation comes as a study of 2,000 Britons by LoftZone found the UK’s preferred temperature is 19.5°C (67.1°F).

On social media, many have expressed disagreement with the WHO’s cold recommendation, complaining that it is far too cold.

Health experts have warned that letting temperatures drop too low leads to an increased risk of mold. On

One X user complained that their house smelled damp with the thermostat set to 18°C ​​(64.4°F).

Another X user joked that there was no chance of keeping the humidity at a reasonable level with temperatures below 20°C (68°F).

On I grew up in a cold house and we are not going back!

Another added: “I set it to 22 because I’m more comfortable with that.” We’re retired so home all day and it’s on all day.

While one commenter wrote: “The thermostat tells me it’s 18.5 degrees in here.” My cold hands tell me it’s time to turn on the heat.

Additionally, many social media users agreed with experts, saying that setting the thermostat to 18°C ​​risked leaving their homes damp and moldy.

“I find that keeping the temperature around 21C is ideal for preventing mold, especially in poorly designed old British houses,” one commenter wrote.

Another wrote: “I noticed that when I turn down the thermostat (around 18 degrees), my house smells noticeably more humid than in previous years. »

While one commenter joked: “Below 20C – good luck with a reasonable humidity level.” »