As winter sets in and temperatures plummet, thousands of people across the UK start to crank their heating up.

However, this can be expensive, and with a 70 percent increase in people googling ‘what temperature should my house be’ in the last week alone, it’s a good idea to know how you can keep your house warm for less.

The energy experts at Bionic have revealed the ideal temperature for staying healthy and keeping energy bills under control this winter.

For most people, the Met Office recommends keeping a minimum indoor temperature of 18C for healthy adults in winter. For more vulnerable people such as children or the elderly it's better to keep it a bit toastier at 20C.

This is crucial because colder environments can thicken the blood, elevate blood pressure, and increase the risk of chest infections.

Les Roberts, an energy expert at Bionic commented: “Keeping your thermostat between 18 degrees and 21 degrees ensures your home stays warm enough for good health while avoiding excessive energy use.

"But even lowering your thermostat by just one degree could save the average household around £90 annually—savings that can make a big difference during the festive season.”

To save money he recommends switching the heating on only when the temperature drops to around 14 degrees consistently.

To maintain the warmth in your home, make sure you have draught prevention methods in place, especially around doors and windows.

You should also make the most of the daytime sun by keeping curtains open to let the heat in.

When the sun sets, you should nip round and close them again to trap the warmth of the day inside your home.

Roberts said: “As energy prices remain a concern for many households, these small adjustments can make a significant difference. Consider taking proactive steps, like scheduling a boiler service, to ensure your heating system is running efficiently throughout the colder months.”