On this page
Quick answer
UK Health Security Agency guidance recommends heating the rooms you use to at least 18°C in winter, particularly if you are over 65 or have health conditions. Many households are comfortable with living rooms at around 19 to 21°C and bedrooms a little cooler at 16 to 18°C. The right temperature depends on who lives in the home, how active they are and how well the house holds heat. The goal is to keep occupied rooms warm enough for health while not heating empty rooms more than needed.
Key takeaways
- Aim for at least 18°C in rooms you use, especially for older or vulnerable people.
- Living areas are commonly kept at 19 to 21°C; bedrooms can be slightly cooler.
- Babies need a room that is neither too hot nor too cold; follow safe sleep guidance.
- TRVs let you set different temperatures room by room.
- Each degree you lower the thermostat reduces heat loss, but not at the expense of health.
Why 18°C matters
Cold homes are linked to higher risk of respiratory and cardiovascular problems, particularly in older people. The UKHSA’s cold weather guidance recommends keeping rooms you use at 18°C or more. For people who are very old, unwell or less mobile, warmer can be better.
Room by room
Living room. Where you sit still for long periods, 19 to 21°C is typical.
Bedrooms. Many people sleep better slightly cooler, around 16 to 18°C, with suitable bedding.
Bathrooms. Warmer for comfort when bathing, and to reduce condensation.
Hallways and unused rooms. Can be kept cooler, but not so cold that condensation and mould develop. See damp and condensation indoors.
Babies and young children
For babies, the Lullaby Trust advises a room temperature of 16 to 20°C, with light bedding and the baby not overheated. A room thermometer helps.
Older relatives
If you look after an older relative, check their heating works, their thermostat is set sensibly, and they are not avoiding heating because of cost. See heating checks for elderly parents.
Getting the temperature right efficiently
- Put the room thermostat in a representative spot. See where to put a room thermostat.
- Use TRVs so each room gets the temperature it needs. See thermostat and TRV settings for winter.
- Use timers so the house is warm when you are home.
- Consider a lower boiler flow temperature for efficiency. See boiler flow temperature settings.
Book with Gasmaster
Want your home comfortable all winter without wasting gas? Gasmaster Plumbing & Heating, Gas Safe registered (220932), services boilers and central heating across Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme and Biddulph.
Frequently asked questions
Is 17°C too cold for a house?
For healthy, active adults it may be comfortable, but UK guidance recommends at least 18°C in rooms you use, especially for vulnerable people.
Is 22°C too warm?
It is warmer than most people need and costs more to maintain. Try 20 or 21°C and see if you are still comfortable.
What temperature should the thermostat be set at overnight?
Many people set back to around 16 to 18°C overnight, depending on the house and who lives there.
Sources
- UK Health Security Agency, cold weather and health guidance (gov.uk)
- The Lullaby Trust, room temperature guidance (lullabytrust.org.uk)
- Energy Saving Trust (energysavingtrust.org.uk)
Related services
Abdul runs Gasmaster Plumbing & Heating and has worked on boilers, heating and gas appliances across Stoke-on-Trent since 2005. He is Gas Safe registered (reg. 220932), and these articles come from his day to day work in homes and businesses across Staffordshire, Cheshire and Derbyshire.
