Heating: experts are shaking up habits and recommending a new ideal temperature

At the dawn of 2025, many habits regarding home heating are undergoing transformation. For decades, the rule of 19 °C has been considered the standard, a balance between thermal comfort and control of energy consumption. However, recent studies and recommendations from energy experts are challenging this norm. Now, the ideal temperature is far from uniform from one room to another and better adapts to usage and the enhanced performance of modern housing. This innovation in heating management paves the way for fine optimization, more responsible and above all, more comfortable for everyone. Between technical know-how and regulatory developments, let’s zoom in on these new practices that are sustainably disrupting our installations.

Revolution in heating recommendations: why 19 °C is no longer sufficient

The idea that a fixed temperature of 19 °C should be maintained in all rooms of a home has guided habits for nearly half a century. This standard, established in the 1970s to respond to energy crises and poorly insulated homes, has significantly contributed to saving energy. However, with advances in thermal insulation, the multiplication of high-performance double glazing, and the rise of smart heating systems, this rule is becoming inadequate.

Researchers and specialists, such as Nick Barber, now emphasize a personalized approach: the ideal temperature should be modulated according to the room, activities, and even occupants. While the habit was to set the thermostat uniformly, it appears that this additional degree, thus reaching 20 °C in living spaces like the living room or kitchen, brings a real gain in comfort without negatively impacting the bill.

This new approach is also part of a desire to eradicate the risks associated with too low a temperature, notably the appearance of mold which can be detrimental to health, particularly in well-insulated homes where humidity can easily stagnate. Furthermore, more precise temperature adjustments help limit energy waste, a major innovation in an era where every watt counts to control environmental impact.

• Better insulated homes: finer regulation possible
• Lower risk of condensation and mold
• Comfort tailored to the real needs of occupants
• Increased consideration of specific room usage
• Energy savings achieved through smart systems

Years	Recommended Temperature	Energy Context	Housing Characteristic
1970-2000	19 °C everywhere	Oil crises, energy savings	Poorly insulated homes
Since 2020	Temperature adapted room by room	Better insulated homes and smart systems	Optimized energy performance

To delve deeper into these new orientations, you can also consult this detailed article: Why experts are abandoning the 19 °C rule and the new temperature they recommend.

How smart heating management works for personalized thermal comfort

The adoption of connected thermostats and smart heating systems marks a revolution in the use of domestic energy. These technological innovations now allow real-time adjustments to the temperature based on room occupancy, schedules, and even outdoor weather. Precise control thus allows a reduction in consumption of up to 15 %. These figures, validated by ADEME, represent a considerable leverage point for reconciling comfort and savings on the bill.

Brad Roberson, an expert in thermal regulation systems, emphasizes that “it’s no longer the raw temperature that guarantees comfort, but the relevance and adaptability of the settings.” Each room now has its own ideal temperature range: for example, 20 °C is favored in living areas but lowered to 16-18 °C in bedrooms to promote restorative sleep. This differentiated management reduces waste and maximizes the performance of installations.

• Automatic programming of time slots
• Temperature adjusted based on detected presence
• Use of humidity and motion sensors
• Remote control via smartphones
• Integration with other smart home systems

Room Type	Recommended Ideal Temperature	User Benefits
Living Room / Dining Room / Kitchen	20 °C	Optimal comfort for daily activities
Adult Bedroom	16 – 18 °C	Improved sleep and savings
Child’s Bedroom	18 – 19 °C	Cold prevention, tailored comfort
Bathroom	22 °C (during use)	Safety and comfort against humidity
Hallways and passage areas	17 °C	Maintaining a minimum temperature to prevent thermal shock

For more tips on the latest technological solutions, also check out this reading: Recommended heating temperature for combining comfort and savings.

Room-by-room adaptation: the key to mastering energy consumption and comfort

The gradual warming of homes thanks to high-performance materials is transforming the experience of domestic heating. When insulation is in place, it becomes possible and even recommended to adjust the temperature according to the utility of the room. The living room, often frequented and meant to offer maximum comfort, benefits from 20 °C, while adult bedrooms enjoy a range between 16 and 18 °C to promote quality sleep. The bathroom, exposed to humidity, requires an extra level of comfort with 22 °C during use.

This approach is also dictated by the physiological role that temperature plays depending on the activity performed: the human body reacts differently to cold based on movement and exposure. That is why simply maintaining a uniform temperature everywhere often leads to unnecessary overheating or discomfort in certain rooms.

• Unnecessary heat is avoided in passage rooms
• Consumption adjusts based on specific uses
• The risk of condensation is reduced thanks to an appropriate temperature
• A better balance between comfort and energy spending

Here is a synthetic table of the optimal temperature distribution:

Zone	Recommended Temperature	Objectives
Living Areas (living room, dining room)	20 °C	Optimal comfort for occupants
Adult Bedrooms	16-18 °C	Support restorative sleep
Child Bedrooms	18-19 °C	Maintaining a warm atmosphere
Bathroom (usage)	22 °C	Safety and comfort against humidity
Hallways and passage areas	17 °C	Reduction of heat losses

To explore these recommendations further and learn how to adapt your heating room by room, check out this feedback from experts who set a new temperature.

The transition to more sustainable heating: innovations and behaviors to adopt

Supporting thermal comfort while being responsible in consumption is now possible thanks to a range of technical innovations combined with a collective awareness. The shift from the 19 °C rule to finer management is accompanied by improved tools, such as smart regulators, but also by simple gestures that everyone can adopt to reduce their bill and protect the environment.

In this dynamic, the performance of appliances, alternatives to traditional heating, and support for energy renovation are gaining importance. For instance, pellet stoves, heat pumps, and low consumption boilers are becoming commonplace in modern households. Additionally, financial assistance offered by the state promotes these transitions to more ecological and economical solutions.

• Use of connected and smart thermostats
• Installation of high-performance, low-consumption appliances
• Optimization of habits: lowering temperature at night, targeted heating
• Regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure effectiveness
• Access to financial aids for energy renovation

Action	Effect	Example
Smart thermostats	Savings of up to 15 %	Room-by-room programming
Heat pumps	Marked reduction in CO2 emissions	Use of renewable energy
Regular maintenance	Maintaining equipment performance	Annual cleaning and checking
Financial aids	Facilitation of investments	Tax credits, local subsidies

To discover more innovations in the field of heating and energy savings, feel free to visit this very comprehensive guide: Heating alternatives for winter.

Practical tips to improve your thermal comfort without skyrocketing your bill

Beyond technology and recommendations on the ideal temperature, a few simple actions enhance energy efficiency and increase well-being in daily life. For example, avoiding overheating and not keeping a permanent heating when the house is empty limits unnecessary expense. Moreover, some almost instinctive advice merits being adopted sustainably.

Here are some essential recommendations: adjust the temperature room by room, insulate windows and doors, consider sealing, use thermal curtains, and ventilate briefly but effectively. Good maintenance of equipment is also crucial. Professional maintenance ensures that combustion and heat distribution are optimal.

• Program a temperature drop at night and in case of absence
• Check the sealing of windows and joints
• Do not cover radiators for optimal heating distribution
• Favor thick and insulating textiles to reduce the sensation of cold
• Call a professional for annual maintenance

A final tip from industry experts: “Modern man can master his comfort through technology, but also by cultivating the right reflexes,” says Paul Leclerc, a trusted plumber and passionate advocate for sustainable solutions.

For more concrete tips about heating, check here: The 19 °C rule is outdated: here’s the new ideal temperature for heating yourself.