For several years, we have been hearing about a rule that I admit I do not respect: that of 19°C for heating! I’m the super chilly type and I sit behind my screen a good part of the day. I am aware that I don’t have to brave the polar cold of the last few days, like my partner or my children, but I’m cold, I can’t do anything about it! I’ve tried keeping the temperature at 19°C, adding sweaters, heated vests and other accessories, but that’s not enough. Plus, when my husband, who spent the day outside, comes home from work, he needs to warm up, literally, so 19°C is too little for us! Experts also question this recommended temperature, by qualifying it! So what is the ideal temperature to be warm at homewithout exploding your electricity bill? Answer in this article.
The 19°C rule: a not-so-universal recommendation
For years, we have been told that 19°C is the ideal temperature for heating our homes in winter. But, this rule, first thought for limit energy expenditure and reduce our environmental impact, is not suitable for everyone. According to Nick Barberexpert in energy management, “ this temperature was defined as an economic compromise rather than as a true optimum of comfort.” Concretely, this temperature can be sufficient for active people or people dressed warmly, but it is not suitable for more sedentary profilessuch as teleworkers or the elderly. Moreover, the ops.fr site recommends a temperature of 20 to 22°C in offices! So, the idea is not to remove this rule, but to qualify it. For example, some specialists recommend adjusting the temperature depending on the room: 19°C in common areas and up to 21°C in rest areas.
Thermal comfort: a question of specific needs
Like you, I can’t last long with layers upon layers of sweaters and plaids when I’m working! We are not all equal when it comes to feeling cold. However, when we remain static – and yes, typing on a keyboard does not burn many calories – our body demands more heat. For those working from home, a temperature around 20°C or 21°C is often more suitable, with 21°C being the chosen temperature in the room in which I work. On the other hand, for rooms with little use, such as the bedroom, I set the heating to 17°C during the day, then 19°C from 8 p.m. As for the bathroom, it also stays at 17°C and I go to 22°C only when I plan to take a shower!
19°C in accommodation? What if it was counterproductive?
Of course, and as this article in Le Figaro reminds us, there is no obligation to heat your house to 19°C, and fortunately! Social landlords and property owners hastened to settle their heating systems on 19°C to save ! But, how many tenants have invested in an oil-filled radiator, or in auxiliary radiators? Instead of reducing the environmental impact thanks to the recommended 19°C which, I remind you, was first designed for the environment and not for optimal comfort, is it not more important?
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If all the tenants use electric space heaters, imagine the environmental impact, much greater than if all the accommodations were heated to 21°C constantly, right? And you ? What is your ideal temperature to feel comfortable at home? Are you interested in this topic? Do not hesitate to give us your opinion, or to share your experience with us. Please notify us of any errors in the text, click here to post a comment.
