With freezing temperatures still continuing across the UK, it is essential to keep your home warm to prevent pipes from freezing, damp, and mould forming.  Experts havw shared their "optimal" temperature for heating homes during cold periods, which will help reduce your energy costs.

It can be difficult getting the right temperature in your home, especially since everyone has their own preferred room temperature. It is possible though  to lower your home's temperature without having to compromise your comfort. E.ON experts have shared their recommendations for the ideal temperature for a home.

They stated that the UK's optimum home temperature is 18-21 degrees. Heating your home higher than this temperature can have a detrimental effect on the environment as well as your energy bills.

Myjobquote.co.uk agreed, saying: "It's recommended that you set your thermostat to somewhere between 18 to 21 degrees Celsius in the winter months. For people who are well-dressed and healthy, 18 degrees Celsius is the ideal temperature.

It is also advisable to heat your home according to the age and health of your family members. It is recommended setting the thermostat to 20 degrees Celsius if there are seniors, young people or those who are sick.

If you have a baby, it is best to heat the baby's room to 16-20 degrees Celsius. The risk of sudden infant mortality syndrome (SIDS) is increased if the baby is too warm. 18 degrees is the ideal temperature for sleeping. This will ensure a restful and healthy sleep.

A recommendation is having a thermostat installed in each room, as with only one thermostat controlling the entire house, for every dgree the temperature is increased, the heating bill will increase by approximately 10 percent.

E.ON experts also noted that it is important to have multiple thermostats when heating a house.

They explained that you might heat your kitchen at a lower temperature (18 degrees), as the oven or hob will generate extra heat while cooking.

"Whereas, you might be more at ease if your living room is set closer to 21 degrees so that you can create a cozy environment for sitting on the couch.

If you want to cut down on your energy bills, make sure that your heating is turned off when you aren't home.

Experts stated that while it may be tempting to turn on the heating all day, so that your home is warm upon your return, you are actually wasting energy and money heating an empty house.

Instead, set a timer to turn on your heating just before you go to bed. You'll be able to return to a warm and comfortable home without spending more than necessary.

A smart thermostat allows you to turn on the heating from anywhere using a smartphone.

By installing a smart heating system, it allows you to control the heating with smart radiator thermostats of your heating, creating zones throughout your home. This is a great way to save energy and provide comfort for your whole family.

You can reduce your energy consumption by heating only the rooms that you use, to the temperature you desire.

James Clark at Wiser states: "In fact, individual control over each radiator in your house can help you save up to 19% in energy consumption. If you also activate smart energy-saving mode, you could save as much as £575 per year on your energy bills."

Heating and hot water account for more than half of the average UK household's energy bills. It's therefore important to monitor energy consumption when heating your home.

Keep your windows and doors shut to keep warm. This is a simple way to save energy and money. Instead of heating your entire house, focus on heating the rooms you are actually using.

Another tip is to inspect the boiler. If they are older than 10 years, replacing with a more efficient boiler will save you money and help conserve energy.

Low-cost draught excluders can be used to quickly cover cold spots around windows and doors.

Insulate your home. Insulation not only prevents heat loss, but also keeps a home cool in the summer. E.ON estimates that heating costs alone could be saved by up to £285 per year for households with proper insulation.