For decades, the “19°C rule” has been treated almost like a universal truth. Governments referenced it in energy-saving campaigns, landlords used it as a benchmark, and households across Europe adjusted their thermostats accordingly. The logic seemed simple: 19°C was warm enough to stay comfortable, cool enough to save energy, and safe enough for health.
But times have changed.
According to energy specialists, building scientists, and public health experts, the 19°C rule is no longer fit for modern living. New research suggests that a one-size-fits-all temperature recommendation fails to reflect today’s housing conditions, climate realities, and diverse household needs. Instead, experts now advocate for a more flexible, context-based approach to indoor heating — one that balances comfort, efficiency, and health.
So why is 19°C outdated, and what temperature should we aim for now?
Where Did the 19°C Rule Come From?
The origin of the 19°C guideline dates back to the late 20th century, when energy efficiency became a political priority during oil crises and rising fuel costs. At the time, many homes were poorly insulated, heating systems were less efficient, and energy consumption needed to be curbed quickly.
The figure was never meant to be a perfect comfort level for everyone. Instead, it represented a compromise temperature — warm enough to prevent cold-related health risks, but low enough to reduce heating demand.
Over time, however, the recommendation hardened into a perceived “ideal,” even as the world around it changed.
Why Experts Say 19°C Is No Longer Adequate
1. Homes Have Changed — But Not Equally
Modern buildings are dramatically different from those of 40 years ago. Improved insulation, double or triple glazing, heat pumps, and smart thermostats all affect how heat is retained and distributed.
In a well-insulated home, 19°C can actually feel colder than expected because of reduced radiant warmth from walls and floors. In contrast, older or poorly insulated buildings may require higher air temperatures to maintain comfort.
Experts emphasize that thermal comfort depends on more than just the number on the thermostat — it also involves humidity, airflow, insulation quality, and surface temperatures.
2. Health Guidelines Have Evolved
Medical research has increasingly linked indoor temperature to physical and mental health, especially for vulnerable populations such as older adults, children, and people with chronic illnesses.
Many health authorities now suggest that temperatures below 20°C may increase risks for respiratory problems, cardiovascular strain, joint pain, and reduced immune response in certain individuals.
As a result, several experts argue that 19°C should be considered a minimum, not a target.
3. Climate and Lifestyle Changes
Climate change has altered seasonal patterns, leading to more extreme cold snaps in some regions and milder winters in others. Meanwhile, work-from-home habits mean people spend significantly more time indoors, increasing sensitivity to indoor comfort.
A temperature that felt acceptable when people were out of the house for most of the day may now feel insufficient for long periods of sedentary activity, such as desk work.
So What Is the New Recommended Temperature?
Rather than proposing a single replacement number, experts now recommend temperature ranges tailored to use and occupants.
General Expert Recommendations:
- 20–22°C for living rooms and daytime occupied spaces
- 18–20°C for bedrooms, depending on personal preference
- 16–18°C for unused rooms or nighttime setback
- 21–23°C for elderly occupants, infants, or people with health conditions
These ranges reflect a shift toward adaptive heating, where temperature is adjusted based on activity, time of day, and individual needs.
Comfort Is About More Than Degrees
One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding heating is the belief that comfort is solely determined by air temperature. In reality, experts focus on thermal comfort, which includes:
- Radiant temperature (warmth from walls and windows)
- Humidity levels
- Air movement
- Clothing and activity level
For example, a well-insulated room at 20°C with warm surfaces may feel more comfortable than a drafty room at 22°C. This is why modern energy advice increasingly emphasizes home improvements and smart controls, not just thermostat settings.
Energy Efficiency Without Sacrificing Comfort
Raising the recommended temperature may sound counterproductive in an era of high energy prices and climate concerns. However, experts argue that comfort and efficiency are not opposites.
Smarter heating strategies include:
- Zoning: Heating only occupied rooms
- Programmable thermostats: Matching heating to daily routines
- Lower night temperatures: Reducing heat while sleeping
- Improved insulation: Retaining warmth more effectively
- Humidity control: Enhancing comfort at lower temperatures
By combining these measures, households can maintain comfort at 20–21°C without significantly increasing energy use.
The Psychological Factor
Thermal comfort also has a psychological dimension. Studies show that feeling cold can affect mood, concentration, and productivity. In work-from-home environments, even small temperature differences can influence performance and well-being.
Experts caution that strict adherence to outdated rules may lead people to underheat their homes unnecessarily, resulting in discomfort that ultimately undermines quality of life.
Rethinking Heating Advice for the Future
Rather than repeating a single number, many specialists now call for personalized heating guidance. This approach considers:
- Building type and insulation quality
- Household composition
- Health conditions
- Local climate
- Energy source and cost
Governments and energy agencies are gradually updating their messaging, shifting from rigid targets to flexible, health-conscious recommendations.
Conclusion: A Smarter Way to Stay Warm
The 19°C rule served its purpose in a different era. Today, however, experts agree that it no longer reflects how we live, work, or heat our homes.
The new consensus is clear: comfort, health, and efficiency must be balanced, not forced into a single temperature rule. For most households, aiming for 20–22°C in living spaces, while using smart controls and insulation strategies, offers a more realistic and humane standard.
In the end, the best temperature is not the lowest number you can tolerate — it’s the one that keeps you healthy, comfortable, and energy-conscious in a changing world.
