Optimal temperature for home heating in winter: recommendations from ADEME and WHO
The search for an optimal temperature for home heating in winter concerns many families. Meeting this energy imperative ensures not only thermal comfort but also a rational management of resources. The ADEME and the WHO provide valuable advice on the thermal thresholds to observe. A temperature that is too high leads to excessive bills and a significant environmental impact. Recommendations range from 17 °C for bedrooms to 22 °C for bathrooms. Finding a balance between well-being and energy efficiency appears to be a major challenge. By understanding these standards, everyone can ensure a welcoming home while preserving our planet.
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Ideal temperature | The optimal temperature for heating is 19 °C. |
| Bedrooms | Recommendation of 17 °C for bedrooms at night. |
| Bathroom | For optimal comfort, the bathroom should be heated between 22 and 24 °C. |
| Children and elderly | The temperature can be adjusted to 21 °C for the comfort of children and elderly people. |
| WHO | According to the World Health Organization, 18 °C is the minimum temperature for health. |
| Health risks | Below 18 °C, the health risks increase, particularly for vulnerable individuals. |
| Energy savings | Lowering by 1 °C equates to 7 % savings on the heating bill. |
| Room heating | Adjusted temperatures: Living room 21-23 °C, Kitchen 18 °C, Bedrooms 15-17 °C. |
Optimal temperature recommended by the ADEME
The ADEME’s recommendations stipulate a global temperature of 19 °C for home heating. This temperature, deemed optimal, promotes health while contributing to the reduction of energy costs. For bedrooms, ADEME recommends lowering to 17 °C, an option that may seem cool but can work wonders for sleep quality. Conversely, for the bathroom, a temperature of 22 °C is recommended during showers, thus providing pleasant comfort.
Evaluation of WHO recommendations
In terms of thermal matching, the World Health Organization (WHO) sets even more precise standards. For countries with a temperate climate, it sets the indoor temperature at 18 °C as a safe threshold. Vulnerable populations, such as children and elderly people, should benefit from warmer environments, ranging between 22 and 24 °C during the day. This distinction is essential to avoid increased health risks within these sensitive groups.
Recommended temperatures room by room
Adjusting the temperature according to the usage of each room optimizes both comfort and energy efficiency. The kitchen can be maintained at 18 °C, considering the heat sources it naturally generates. The living room, often the heart of the home, should reach between 21 and 23 °C, ensuring optimal comfort during sedentary activities. In the bedrooms, a temperature of 15 to 17 °C is recommended at night to promote restorative sleep, with the exception of children who should benefit from at least 18 °C.
Health benefits and energy savings
Maintaining an adequate temperature, in accordance with current recommendations, offers considerable health benefits. Indeed, a temperature that is too low can cause various discomforts, ranging from discomfort to respiratory illnesses. From an economic perspective, every degree lower on the thermostat significantly reduces the impact on the energy bill. A drop of just 1 °C can lead to savings of 7 % on consumption, which can be substantial in the long run.
Awareness and behavior adaptation
Increased awareness of these recommendations can encourage beneficial behavioral changes among users, promoting eco-responsible heating. Each modification, even a minimal one, conducted thoughtfully contributes to better resource usage. The current context, marked by geopolitical tensions, demands greater vigilance. Applying these recommendations fosters better energy management while preserving a healthy living environment.
Frequently asked questions about the optimal temperature for home heating in winter
What is the recommended temperature by the ADEME for home heating in winter?
The ADEME recommends a global temperature of 19 °C in homes, with variations depending on the rooms: 17 °C in bedrooms and up to 22 °C in the bathroom.
What are the WHO recommendations regarding indoor temperature?
According to the WHO, for countries with temperate climates, a safe indoor temperature is around 18 °C during cold seasons, with a recommended increase for children and elderly people.
Is it acceptable to heat above 19 °C?
It is acceptable to exceed 19 °C, particularly in rooms where vulnerable populations are present, but it is generally advised not to exceed 21 °C in those cases.
Why does the ADEME recommend 19 °C as the optimal temperature?
The temperature of 19 °C is considered ideal because it contributes to health and comfort while limiting energy consumption, thus allowing savings.
What are the suggested temperatures for each room?
The recommendations are as follows: 18 °C for the kitchen, 21-23 °C for the living room, 15-17 °C for bedrooms at night, and 22-24 °C for the bathroom during showers.
How to adjust the temperature for vulnerable individuals?
Homes accommodating vulnerable individuals such as babies or elderly people should be maintained at temperatures of 22-24 °C during the day and between 18-20 °C at night.
What savings can be achieved by lowering the temperature by one degree?
It is estimated that a decrease of 1 °C allows a reduction of the heating bill by about 7 %, which encourages considering reasonable adjustments.
How to stay comfortable at 19 °C?
To be comfortable at 19 °C, one can wear warm clothing such as sweaters and thick socks, and optimize the use of blankets and duvets.
