France heating guidelines: experts recommend 19°C threshold

As autumn temperatures drop, residents in France are preparing for the heating season. There is no national mandate for the activation of collective heating systems; instead, decisions are typically made by building syndics or through internal regulations. While the typical operating period falls between October 15 and April 15, actual start dates vary based on specific co-ownership rules and sudden weather changes.

To balance thermal comfort with energy costs, the French Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME) recommends maintaining an indoor temperature of 19°C in living areas. Experts note that increasing the temperature by even one degree above this threshold can raise energy consumption by 7%. Additionally, humidity levels above 60% can increase the sensation of cold, even if the temperature remains stable.