What’s the Best Thermostat Setting for Winter? Let’s Settle This Once and For All
As winter rolls in and our energy bills threaten to give us heart palpitations, one age-old debate resurfaces: What’s the ideal thermostat setting to stay warm without hemorrhaging money? For years, 19°C has been touted as the magic number—cool enough to save energy, warm enough to prevent frostbite (theoretically). But is it really the gold standard? Experts suggest it’s not quite that simple. So, should we ditch the 19°C rule for good? And if so, what’s the sweet spot for warmth and savings? Let’s break it down.
The 19°C Rule: A Blast from the Past
The idea of keeping homes at 19°C dates back to the 1970s oil crisis when governments were scrambling to cut energy use. At the time, insulation wasn’t what it is today, and people were expected to throw on an extra sweater instead of cranking the heat.
Fast forward to today, and our homes are far more efficient—but our standards for comfort have evolved. Energy expert Nick Barber and heating specialist Brad Roberson both agree: 19°C might work on paper, but it doesn’t always feel cozy in practice. Their preferred compromise? 20°C. It’s warm enough to keep most people comfortable but still efficient enough to avoid an eye-watering energy bill.
Why Your Comfort Isn’t Just About a Number
So why not just stick with 19°C and save a little extra cash? Well, because comfort isn’t just about the thermostat setting—it’s about how that heat actually feels. Here’s what influences whether you feel toasty or like you’re living in an igloo:
- Insulation: Drafty windows or poor insulation can make even 22°C feel chilly, while a well-insulated home stays cozy at lower temperatures.
- Activity Level: Sitting at a desk all day? You’ll probably feel colder than if you’re bustling around the kitchen.
- Humidity: Dry air makes the cold feel colder. If your home is too dry, even 20°C won’t feel as warm as it should.
Bottom line? The “right” temperature varies from home to home, and small tweaks can make a big difference in how warm you actually feel.
Do You Really Need Every Room at the Same Temperature?
Trying to keep your entire house at one uniform temperature is like trying to make every meal taste the same—it’s unnecessary and a bit ridiculous. Instead, different rooms should have different settings:
- Living Room & Common Areas: 20°C is the perfect balance of cozy and cost-effective.
- Bedroom: Cooler temps (16-18°C) promote better sleep, so don’t overheat your sleeping space.
- Bathroom: Nobody wants to step out of a warm shower into an icebox—22°C helps prevent post-shower shivers.
- Hallways & Unused Rooms: 17°C is fine—no need to waste energy heating areas you’re barely in.
This approach keeps you comfortable where it matters without wasting energy on empty spaces.
So Why 20°C? The Goldilocks Temperature
Brad Roberson puts it simply: 20°C is the happy middle ground between warmth and efficiency. Here’s why it works so well:
- Energy Savings: Every degree above 19°C increases energy use by roughly 7%. At 20°C, you’re still efficient without needing extra layers indoors.
- Comfort Boost: Many people find 19°C just a tad too chilly, while 20°C eliminates that slight discomfort.
- Easy to Manage: Smart thermostats make it simple to maintain 20°C and adjust room temps as needed.
How to Stay Warm Without Racking Up Huge Bills
Want to keep that perfect 20°C warmth without an outrageous heating bill? Try these simple tricks:
✔ Get a Programmable Thermostat: Automate your heating to warm up the house when needed and dial it back when you’re asleep or out.
✔ Improve Insulation: Focus on windows and attic spaces—these are notorious for leaking heat.
✔ Use Thick Curtains: Heavy curtains trap heat inside and prevent cold drafts at night.
✔ Close Doors: Keep the heat where you need it by shutting doors between warm and cool areas.
✔ Harness the Sun: Open curtains during the day to let natural sunlight warm your space for free.
When It’s Too Cold: The Health Risks of Low Temps
While saving money is great, cranking the heat too low isn’t worth the health risks. Cold homes can contribute to:
❄ Respiratory Issues: Cold air can irritate the lungs and increase the risk of infections.
❄ Cardiovascular Strain: People with heart conditions are more vulnerable to cold stress.
❄ Sleep Problems: A freezing bedroom can disrupt sleep, leaving you groggy the next day.
Keeping your home at a reasonable temperature isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protecting your health, too.
Final Verdict: 19°C or 20°C?
The old 19°C rule had its moment, but 20°C offers a better balance of comfort and efficiency. That doesn’t mean you have to crank it up, but if you’re always reaching for a blanket at 19°C, there’s no shame in bumping it up a degree.
With small adjustments—like better insulation, using a smart thermostat, and varying room temps—you can stay cozy and keep your energy bills in check. Because let’s be honest: the real goal isn’t just saving money—it’s avoiding that why-is-my-house-so-cold misery while still feeling smug about your energy efficiency.
Now that you’ve found the perfect temperature for your home, how about optimizing your sleep too? A cozy room is just one piece of the puzzle—great sleep starts with the right habits! If you’re ready to wake up refreshed and full of energy, check out my 7-Day Sleep Course. It’s packed with practical tips to help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling amazing.
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Stay warm, sleep well, and enjoy a winter full of restful nights! ❄️😴
