Average home now 9f hotter

Homes are hotting up as millions of Britons turn up the thermostat rather than put on a warm jumper.

The average home is 9f (5c) warmer than it was 30 years ago as we develop the habit of wearing summer clothes deep into winter.

Cheaper heating, better heating systems and better insulation have helped the nation indulge in this 'domestic warming'.

The average house temperature has risen from 55f (13c) to 64f (18c) in the last three decades. By the year 2020, the level could rise to 68f (20c). Nine out of ten householders admit they simply turn up the heat if they feel cold, rather than the cheaper and greener option of putting on an extra layer of clothing.

However, there are environmental costs and hidden health risks as we splash out £3.9billion a year keeping our 25million households warm, warn experts.

A hotter home can cause skin problems, such as eczema, lethargy, poor concentration, disturbed sleep and fatigue.

A rise in temperature of 7f (4c) could more than double bacterial growth rates, leading to higher risks of food poisoning and the spread of germs.

'A hotter home can have an effect on your skin,' warned Dr Sarah Brewer, of the British Society for Allergy, Environmental and Nutritional Medicine.

'Studies have shown that even short periods of exposure to low air humidity can increase roughness and exacerbate skin problems. The body is also sensitive to temperatures that are too warm.

'During the day, it can induce lethargy, poor concentration and fatigue. At night, a room that is too hot can mean disturbed sleep.'