There's no single ideal room temperature, because everyone feels warmth differently. Still, a few guidelines help: slightly cooler in the bedroom, a bit warmer in the living room, and humidity kept in a comfortable range. Here's what works for most people, and how to keep your home at a steady temperature without wasting energy.
A healthy bedroom temperature
Most people sleep best in a cool bedroom, typically around 16 to 18°C. Your body temperature drops naturally at night, so you need less heat. If you sleep better slightly warmer or cooler, that's fine. Babies, older people and anyone in poor health may need a bit more warmth, so adjust to suit them.
The ideal room temperature for living areas
In the living room, most people are comfortable at around 19 to 21°C. Try lowering the thermostat by one degree at a time until you find the point where you're comfortable but not wasting heat. A smart or programmable thermostat lets you lower the temperature automatically at night and when you're out.
Measuring humidity at home
Humidity affects how warm a room feels. High humidity makes a home feel stuffy and encourages condensation and mould. Very dry air can irritate your eyes, nose and throat.
A relative humidity of roughly 40 to 60% is comfortable for most homes. If the air is too dry, ventilate a little less in winter or use a humidifier. If it's too humid, ventilate more, use extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom, and dry washing outside where possible. Persistent condensation, mould or damp patches can point to damp problems, in which case it's best to call in a damp-proofing specialist.
You can check the humidity with an inexpensive hygrometer. It's worth putting one in the bedroom and living room for a week or two to see what's normal in your home.
Heating costs and energy use
Every degree higher on the thermostat means more energy to keep the house warm. If you want to save money, keep the temperature moderate and put on an extra layer or grab a blanket when you're a bit cold.
Longer term, insulation and efficient heating make the biggest difference. Read more about making your home more sustainable, solar panels, a heat pump or uPVC window frames with better glazing.
How do I keep a constant temperature at home?
Many homes are hard to keep at a steady temperature: you turn up the heating in winter and it drains away, while in summer the heat comes in and won't leave.
Good insulation slows down that heat flow, so warmth stays in during winter and heat stays out during summer. Start with the roof, where a lot of heat escapes, then look at walls, floors and windows, and seal draughts around doors and windows. Combine insulation with good ventilation to avoid condensation. Get quotes from a few insulation specialists and ask which measures make the most sense for your home.
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