With temperatures slowly dropping around the country, many face the difficult decision of whether to put the heating on during the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Health experts often warn of health risks associated with cold homes, but Dr Hilary Jones shared that central heating could also spell trouble.
According to the TV doctor, there are conditions that are “worsened” by putting heating on too high.
Speaking on ITV’s show Lorraine, he said: “Once you put the central heating on, you get a drier atmosphere in the house.
“All sorts of things can happen.”
Dr Hilary explained that the dry air combined with dust in your home can create a dangerous cocktail for people who suffer from asthma.
Dry air can irritate your airways, leaving you more susceptible to an asthma attack.
Another group vulnerable to central heating are people prone to eczema.
Dr Hilary said: “The skin can dry out; you get eczema problems.”
While dry skin doesn’t cause eczema, it can set off flare-ups in people who suffer from the uncomfortable problem.
When your skin gets very dry, it becomes cracked and scaly, making it easier for irritants to get inside.
The TV doctor added that another problem that can occur during this time is dry eye syndrome.
He said: “Dry eye syndrome is very common because the air is so dry, the tear film evaporates.”
However, you don’t want the temperature in your home to fall too low either as cold homes are linked to an increased risk of developing heart attacks and strokes, Dr Amir Khan has previously warned.
Speaking on Lorraine, he said: “Your blood vessels get thinner to conserve the heat, that pushes your blood pressure up and over time that has an impact on your heart attack and stroke risk.”
Fortunately, Dr Hilary shared the “ideal temperature” that could keep your risk of health problems low.
He added: “The ideal temperature would be 18 degrees in the bedroom and 21 in the living room.”