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Last updated: 27th March, 2024

Advice

Ideal Temperature at Home

Ideal Temperature at Home

Finding and maintaining the right temperature in your home can feel like a constant battle and can often lead to family arguments due to it being too warm for some, and too chilly for others.

Differing preferences over the temperature at home, on top of the pressure to keep heating bills low can make it hard to find a solution that suits everyone in the home, however, there are some ways you can work around this to keep everyone happy.

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What is the Ideal Temperature for Your Home?

Public Health England states that 18ºC should be the minimum temperature in your living room in order to stay healthy and comfortable.

It’s also worth noting that anything lower than 12ºC puts you at cardiovascular risk, as does anything above 24ºC.

The average room temperature in the UK tends to fall around 20ºC, though it's generally a good idea to tailor the temperature to each room individually.

The Ideal Temperature for the Living Room

The ideal temperature for the living room is between 19º and 22ºC. As the living room is usually the room where you’ll spend most of your time sitting still, you’ll likely need these warmer temperatures to stop you from getting chilly.

However, it’s also worth bearing in mind that the higher the temperature, the more energy you will be using, so we would recommend going no higher than 21ºC to keep heating bills low.

The Ideal Temperature for the Bedroom

As you likely spend most of your time in bed under the covers in your bedroom, the temperature should be no higher than 20ºC. For those who prefer the room to be cooler at night, a temperature as low as 16ºC is also suitable.

However if you have family members who prefer to spend most of their time in their bedrooms, we would recommend treating bedrooms the same as the living room when it comes to temperature and of course the individual’s preferences should be taken into account too.

The Ideal Temperature for the Bathroom

Nobody likes waking up to a chilly bathroom in the morning, particularly during the winter months.

This is why we recommend setting your bathroom temperature to around 22ºC just before you wake up to ensure it’s comfortable by the time you come to get ready.

Once you start running the shower or bath, the humidity will help to keep the warmth in the air, meaning your boiler has less work to do to maintain the temperature, helping to lower the energy bills.

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Seasonal Temperature

Interestingly, ideal room temperature is actually the same all year round. However the adjustment of air outlets such as windows, patio doors and conservatory doors is key to tailoring the temperature and air humidity within a home depending on the season and personal heating preferences.

How Can I Control My Central Heating in Each Room?

Radiator Valves

One way to control the temperature of multiple rooms is by using the valves on the radiators. For example, if at night you like to have your bedroom extra toasty but your children prefer it to be cooler, you can either lower the temperature or turn the radiator off completely using the wheel valve.

To do this, make sure the radiator is on and working and find the wheel valve. This is usually located on the side of the radiator where the hot water enters and should have a temperature control knob on it. Open the valve by turning it towards clockwise to provide less heat or to turn it off.

Smart Thermostats

Another way to control the temperature in multiple rooms is by using a smart thermostat. Most smart thermostats offer the benefit of multi-zonal heating which allows you to independently heat different parts of your home. This can also reduce wasted energy, helping to keep your heating costs down.

With a smart thermostat, you also have much more control over your heating as it gives you the ability to adjust your settings even when you’re away from home. Not only does it give you more control, it also learns your routine over time through the use of sensors, helping you to always maintain the perfect temperature in your home in a cost effective way.

Why not check out our useful guide to the best smart thermostats you can get your hands on in 2022?

Boiler Servicing

Another key aspect of maintaining an ideal temperature in your property is making sure your boiler is operating at its optimum efficiency. To ensure this, it’s wise to have a Gas Safe registered engineer annually service your boiler to detect and amend any issues that could be potentially impeding its performance or placing your safety at jeopardy without you even knowing.

How iHeat Can Help

If you need an old, inefficient heating system replaced, get a free, fixed price, instant quote on a range of sleek new optimised boilers today at iHeat.

For more helpful advice and information, take a look at our other guides and FAQs or get in touch to find out more.

iHeat New Boiler Costs

Boilers can be a daunting purchase for many people as they’re an appliance with a lot of responsibility, providing heat for you and your family is something you want to get right. Boilers aren’t exactly a quickly disposable item either, potentially lasting you a decade.

Effectively, new boiler cost can be split into two segments: the first is the actual boiler itself (unit price), and the second is the cost of the boiler being installed (set up) in your property by an expert engineer. 

Here at iHeat, we want to remove all of this undue stress and make the decision making process of upgrading to a new central heating system, as easy as possible.

Boiler costs can vary depending on a number of factors including their brand, model, fuel, output, warranty, labour and installation type. Typically a new boiler will cost between £1,845 and £3,500, below is a list of average boiler installations offered by iHeat (guide only).

Installation Type

Price (inc VAT)

Combi to combi swap

£1,845

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System to combi conversion

£2,499

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New boiler install

£2,899

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Back boiler to a combi

£3,299

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System to system

£1,945

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 18 Degrees Cold for a House?

18 degrees Celsius (64.4 degrees Fahrenheit) is considered slightly cool for a house but can be comfortable for many people, especially if they are dressed warmly or active. It's a common daytime temperature setting recommended during winter months to balance comfort and energy efficiency.

Is 15 Degrees Cold in a House?

Yes, 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit) is generally considered cold for a house. It may be an acceptable overnight temperature for some, especially in bedrooms with adequate bedding, but it's likely too cold for comfort during waking hours without additional heating.

What is the Healthiest Temperature for Your Home?

The healthiest temperature for your home is generally considered to be between 18 to 21 degrees Celsius (64 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit). This range is comfortable for most people and can help prevent the growth of harmful molds and bacteria. Keeping the bedroom a bit cooler, around 16 to 18 degrees Celsius (60 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit), is recommended for optimal sleep.

What is the Ideal Temperature for Home UK?

In the UK, the ideal temperature for a home is often considered to be about 18 to 21 degrees Celsius (64 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit). This range provides a comfortable living environment and is energy-efficient. For vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, a slightly higher temperature may be preferable.

Is 17 Degrees Cold for a House?

17 degrees Celsius (62.6 degrees Fahrenheit) can be considered on the cool side for a house. While it may be suitable for sleeping or for those who prefer cooler temperatures, some people may find it slightly uncomfortable, especially if sitting still for long periods.

Is 8 Degrees Too Cold for a House UK?

Yes, 8 degrees Celsius (46.4 degrees Fahrenheit) is too cold for a house in the UK and can pose risks to both the occupants' health and the house itself. Temperatures this low increase the risk of hypothermia for people and can lead to issues like frozen or burst pipes.

Is 16 Degrees Too Cold for a House?

For most people, 16 degrees Celsius (60.8 degrees Fahrenheit) is considered too cold for general comfort in a house. It may be an acceptable sleeping temperature for some, especially with warm bedding, but it is generally too cold for daytime activities without additional heating.

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Article by
Stephen Day | Co-founder
Gas Safe registered and FGAS certified engineer with over 20 years experience in the heating and cooling industry.