Heating savings: The 19°C rule is outdated, here are the new recommendations from the experts

© Robin Sabbadini for Lemon Squeezer

Winter is here and with it comes the eternal dilemma: how to heat your home efficiently without seeing your energy bill explode? Since the oil crisis of the 1970s, the 19°C rule has become a dogma in terms of domestic heating. However, energy efficiency experts are now sounding the end of this thermal diktat. A single temperature can no longer meet the current challenges of modern comfort and energy performance.

The end of a myth: why 19°C no longer works?

The 19°C rule was born in a very different context than today. Housing in the 1970s had radically different thermal characteristics to that of today. Insulation was often poor, heating systems less efficient and lifestyles were different. Energy management expert Nick Barber points out that “ cThis temperature has been defined as an economic compromise rather than as a true optimum of comfort ».

Progress in construction and energy renovation have changed the situation. Modern homes, better insulated and equipped with more sophisticated heating systems, allow for more precise temperature management. Experts now agree on a new standard: 20 °C represents the true reference temperature for living spaces.

20 °C: the new standard is already widely adopted anyway

This change of one degree may seem minimal, but it radically changes the situation in terms of comfort. It’s hard to feel comfortable at 19°C without feeling a slight chill. Brad Roberson, a heating systems expert, explains that “ The feeling of thermal comfort depends on many factors beyond just temperature .” Humidity, airflow, physical activity, and even the way we dress play a crucial role in our perception of comfort.

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Recent studies show thatat 20°C, the human body is more likely to maintain its ideal temperature of 37°C, especially during sedentary activities like working from home or reading. This temperature also helps reduce the risk of condensation and the development of mould, which are common problems in homes kept at temperatures that are too low.

The new approach: smart room-by-room heating

Experts are now advocating a differentiated approach to home heating. Each room deserves its own temperature depending on its use. The living room and main living areas thrive at 20°C, creating a welcoming atmosphere conducive to daily activities. Bedrooms, on the other hand, can be kept between 16 and 18°C ​​to promote restful sleep.

The bathroom is a special case: a temperature of 22°C is recommended to avoid thermal shock when getting out of the shower. Transition spaces such as corridors can be satisfied with 17°C. This differentiated management not only optimises comfort, but also makes substantial savings.

Modern technologies greatly facilitate this intelligent heating management. Connected thermostats allow you to program different temperatures depending on the room and the time of day. These systems can generate up to 15% savings on the annual heating bill, while maintaining an optimal level of comfort.

The financial impact of this new approach is more complex than a simple increase in consumption. Of course, each additional degree theoretically increases consumption by 7%. However, a more suitable temperature reduces costly compensations such as the use of additional heaters or over-ventilation to regulate poorly distributed heat.

• The ideal temperature goes from 19°C to 20°C in living rooms for a better balance between comfort and savings
• Each room requires its own temperature: 16-18°C for bedrooms, 22°C for the bathroom
• Modern regulation technologies make it possible to optimize heating and achieve savings of up to 15%

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