Do you really know? Is putting on less heating a way to save money and be healthier?
Feb 27, 2026
They explore whether lowering your thermostat saves money and how a 1°C drop could cut bills by about 10%. The conversation highlights research linking cooler indoor temps to increased brown fat and metabolic effects. Risks like damp and who should avoid colder homes are discussed. Practical temperature targets and real-world adaptation stories are also covered.
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Lower Thermostat By One Degree To Save Money
- Turn your thermostat down from 20°C to 19°C to cut energy bills by around 10%.
- The Energy Saving Trust estimates this single-degree reduction yields the stated savings for a typical British household.
Cooler Rooms May Boost Brown Fat And Metabolism
- Cooler indoor temperatures (around 19°C) can increase brown fat, which burns calories thanks to many mitochondria.
- The Garvan Institute study links raised brown fat to improved insulin sensitivity and potentially lower obesity and type 2 diabetes risk.
Repeated Cold Exposure Raises Comfort And Brown Fat
- People can adapt to colder temperatures with increased brown fat and reduced shivering after repeated exposure.
- Maastricht University volunteers lived six hours daily at 15°C and felt more comfortable after 10 days.