Adjusting the thermostat can become the cause of lively debate (or full-blown arguments) within the household, particularly during colder months.
Perceptions of the ideal temperature vary greatly from person to person. Women, on average, prefer warmer rooms than men, whilst infants and the elderly can be especially vulnerable to over- and underheating.
Navigating these diverse preferences can be challenging. It's not only about ensuring household harmony but also about managing energy consumption to minimise both energy bills and environmental impact.
So, what is a healthy temperature?
The general consensus is that the ideal temperature for a healthy, well-dressed adult is 18°C, while 20°C is optimal for the very young, old, or unwell.
However, to be the most economical, the temperature of each room should be tailored to accommodate the diverse activities carried out in these spaces. Let's take a look at how we can optimise our temperature settings per room.
The Kitchen
Of course, we're starting with the kitchen! In the kitchen, where cooking and meal preparation activities generate heat, maintaining a slightly cooler temperature can help prevent discomfort. The kitchen is also where food is stored, so allowing the room to become too warm can increase the risk of spoilage. A good ambient temperature for the kitchen is 16-18°C.
Living room and home office
These are rooms in which we spend a large portion of our time and are usually quite sedentary, so a warmer temperature of 18-21°C is usually needed to keep everyone comfortable. Remember, more heat means more energy use, so if you're tempted to crank the thermostat higher, consider reaching for a cosy jumper, snuggling under a blanket, or cuddling up to a loved one or a furry friend first.
The Bedroom
Bedrooms should be on the cool side as, for the most part, we spend most of our time tucked up in bed. People's preferences for sleeping temperatures vary, but on the whole, most find a cooler room more conducive to a good night's sleep. A temperature between 15-20°C is ideal, depending on your personal preference.
Baby's bedroom
Young children, especially those under 6 months, are sensitive to temperature fluctuations and less able to regulate their own body temperatures. Making sure children's bedrooms aren't too warm or cold overnight is important to keep little ones safe and healthy. The Lullaby Trust recommends a temperature of 16-20°C for infants.
The bathroom
No one wants to step out of a warm shower or bath into a chilly bathroom. Heat up the bathroom for a few hours in the morning and evening (when most people generally do their bathing) to a toasty 22-25°C.
What about the summer?
These temperature recommendations apply for both summer and winter; however, it is more difficult to control room temperature when the weather gets hot, especially here in the UK where most people don't have air conditioning in their homes. As indoor temperatures creep above 21°C, most people will begin to feel uncomfortable at night, while temperatures of over 24°C can be dangerous.
Humidity can be a big factor in increasing room temperature. Opening doors and windows to allow airflow can help bring down the humidity, and therefore the temperature. However, in extreme heat when the air outside is hotter than the air inside, opening windows can actually increase the ambient temperature! Keeping curtains and blinds closed throughout the heat of the day, opening windows at night when the temperature drops and using fans can help regulate a healthy room temperature.
Summary
Maintaining the ideal temperature in each room of your home is essential for comfort, well-being, and energy efficiency.
Understanding the varying needs and activities associated with different spaces allows you to tailor your thermostat settings accordingly.
Adapting your strategies to manage temperature fluctuations ensures year-round comfort while minimising energy consumption and environmental impact.