Today, the consensus is shifting toward 20°C in main living areas. This one-degree adjustment is significant:
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It enhances comfort, especially for sedentary activities like remote work.
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It reduces condensation on cooler surfaces, lowering the risk of dampness and mold.
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It promotes a healthier indoor environment without a substantial increase in energy use in a well-insulated home.
More importantly, the “one temperature fits all” model is obsolete. Intelligent heating means adjusting temperatures room-by-room based on use:
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Living Rooms & Home Offices: 19.5°C – 20.5°C for sustained comfort while sedentary.
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Bedrooms: 17°C – 18°C for deeper, better-quality sleep.
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Bathrooms: 21°C – 22°C for comfort post-shower.
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Hallways & Utility Spaces: 16°C – 18°C is sufficient for transitional areas.
The Smart Home Advantage
This personalized strategy is easily managed with programmable or smart thermostats. These devices automate temperature zones, reduce heat when you’re away, and learn your schedule. The result can be energy savings of 10-15%—not by universally lowering the temperature, but by eliminating waste intelligently.
The bottom line: The goal is no longer to endure a single, spartan temperature. It’s to cultivate a healthier, more comfortable, and efficiently managed living environment. It’s time to let the old 19°C rule fade into history, where it belongs.
