Heating Shift: Experts Say Ditch the 19°C Rule for Targeted Comfort and Savings
PARIS – For decades, 19°C has been the gold standard for home heating. Now, energy experts are advocating for a more nuanced approach, tailoring temperatures to individual rooms and activities to maximize comfort while minimizing energy waste.The shift comes as households brace for continued high energy costs and a growing emphasis on sustainable living.
The rigid 19°C guideline fails to account for the human body’s varying reactions to cold based on activity level. While 17°C is ideal for sleep, the same temperature can feel chilly in a bathroom. by adjusting thermostats accordingly – potentially lowering temperatures in less-used spaces and during sleep - homeowners can substantially reduce their heating bills and lessen the temptation to crank up the heat unnecessarily. This move towards “intelligent and sustainable heating” is enabled by better-insulated homes and increasingly elegant connected tools.
The benefits extend beyond financial savings. A more flexible heating model promises “more comfort, less waste, and less temptation to turn the radiator all the way up,” according to recent analysis. Experts emphasize this isn’t a retreat from ecological efforts, but rather an “evolution towards better sobriety” adapted to the specific needs of each household.
Targeted temperature adjustments are becoming increasingly practical. Recommendations include setting bedrooms to 17°C, living rooms to 20°C, and corridors to 17°C, allowing for precise control room by room. Coupled with improved building insulation and a greater understanding of thermal comfort, this approach offers a “win-win” scenario: increased well-being without compromising environmental obligation or household budgets.
For those heating with electricity, awareness of hidden energy drains within appliances is also crucial, as these can contribute to significant bill increases during winter months.
