The World Health Organisation recommends 18°C as the minimum comfortable indoor temperature for healthy adults, and 21°C for homes with elderly or young children. Here's what the research says about finding the right setting for your home.
The recommended range
- 16–17°C: Cool — fine for active adults, but below comfort for sedentary activities
- 18–19°C: Comfortable for healthy adults in normal clothing
- 20–21°C: Warm — preferred by many; recommended where elderly or very young children are present
- 22°C+: Warm — higher than necessary for most people; expensive to maintain
The cost impact
Each 1°C above 18°C adds approximately 8% to your heating cost. The difference between 18°C and 22°C is roughly 32% more gas — approximately £350/year on an average bill.
Night temperature
Reducing thermostat to 15°C at night (or turning heating off in well-insulated modern homes) typically saves 10–15% compared to maintaining 20°C around the clock.
Finding your comfort point
Set your thermostat at 18°C, wear a light sweater if cool, and only increase if you find yourself genuinely uncomfortable. Most people discover they were over-heating their homes at 21–22°C when they experiment.