Heating efficiency and health: Expert advice on home temperatures

As colder weather approaches, experts are providing guidance on optimizing home heating to balance energy costs with health and comfort. Reducing indoor temperatures by just one degree Celsius can decrease heating energy consumption by approximately 6 to 7 percent.

For general living areas, a temperature between 20°C and 22°C is often recommended. However, specific rooms benefit from different settings: kitchens are best at around 18°C, while bedrooms should be kept between 16°C and 18°C to support natural sleep cycles and melatonin production. Bathrooms may require higher temperatures, between 22°C and 24°C.

Health considerations are particularly vital for seniors over the age of 65. Organizations such as the WHO and NHS recommend maintaining at least 18°C in frequently used rooms for older adults and those with heart or lung conditions. Research indicates that lower indoor temperatures can be statistically linked to increased blood pressure in certain populations.

Additional efficiency tips include using thermal foil behind radiators on uninsulated walls, avoiding the use of tilted windows for ventilation in favor of short, intense bursts of fresh air, and ensuring heat pumps are kept clean to maintain performance.