The primary goal for anyone seeking comfort in their home during winter is to avoid both extreme cold and excessive heat. However, considerations such as the cost of utility bills, health implications and environmental stewardship are also important factors. Many people do not know what the ideal temperature is to turn on the heating at home.
Therefore, in this article we are going to tell you What is the ideal temperature to turn on the heating at home? and that we can save on the electricity bill.
What is the optimal temperature for home heating?
This question is of significant importance due to its various implications. From an economic point of view, a higher radiator temperature translates into higher gas or electricity costs, which cannot be overlooked, especially considering that Heating accounts for 63% of a home's energy consumption, exceeding the combined use of appliances, hot water, cooking and lighting.
Furthermore, comfort is a crucial factor. We all want to feel comfortable in our living spaces. Health considerations also arise, as exposure to cold during winter or excessively warm rooms can negatively affect our well-being. Equally important is the environmental impact: the more strenuous the boilers are run, the higher the level of pollution generated.
At a time marked by the rise in the price of certain supplies, both institutions and the Government encourage us to slightly reduce the temperature of the heating as a way of saving resources. In August of last year, the Government of Spain, in line with the European Union, enacted a regulation requiring administrative and commercial buildings to maintain heating at a maximum of 19ºC.
Determining the optimal heating temperature for a home is a nuanced issue, influenced by numerous factors. In homes that lack adequate radiators, Maintaining a temperature of 21ºC will give different results compared to a well-regulated environment. The demographic composition of the household also plays an important role. For example, the presence of younger people differs from that of older residents, as do households with small children or infants. In addition, a dwelling occupied by several people will generally retain more heat than a similarly sized dwelling with only one occupant. Nevertheless, some general guidelines can be formulated.
Optimal temperature to be at home
According to the National Institute of Statistics (INE), the average daytime temperature for heating in homes in our country is currently 21,3°C. According to the OCU, it should be noted that Each degree of reduction in this temperature represents a 7% decrease in energy expenditure.Therefore, by adjusting the national average of 21,3°C to the 19°C recommended by various institutions, a saving of 16,1% in consumption would be achieved.
What we want in our homes is a state that is neither too cold nor too hot. How might we quantify this pleasant but elusive sensation in terms of temperature? Scientific research has addressed this question. To begin with, what is the minimum temperature that is considered acceptable? A study by British researchers, based on existing scientific literature, determined that "Maintaining an indoor temperature of at least 18°C during winter poses minimal health risks to a sedentary person dressed in appropriate clothing."
Maintaining an indoor temperature below 18°C during the winter months can cause feelings of cold. Various experts have provided information on optimal levels of comfort above this threshold. A study by the Technical University of Denmark found that entering a room at a temperature of 20°C creates an environment characterised by a neutral thermal sensation, minimal thermal dissatisfaction and a high degree of overall thermal comfort for the whole body. Similarly, the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE) in Spain recommends setting the thermostat to 20°C or 21°C during daylight hours and also advises people to wear warm clothing at home.
Regarding the relationship between indoor temperature and health, Dr. María Sanz Almazán, member of the Respiratory Working Group of the Spanish Society of General and Family Physicians (SEMG), It is noted that the optimal daytime temperature should be between 19°C and 23°C. He points out that “in general, a person at rest begins to feel cold at temperatures below 20°C.”
It is advisable to avoid excessive heating.
Despite appearances, excessive heat at home is harmful. High temperatures impair cognitive function. A study conducted by the Berkeley Laboratory in the United States, which analyzed temperature variations in various work environments, revealed that performance improves at temperatures of 22°C or 23°C, while it decreases once the temperature is too high. temperatures exceed 24°C or 25°C. When the temperature reaches 30°C, productivity decreases by 8,9%.
The Association of Patients with COPD (Chronic Inflammatory Pulmonary Disease) indicates that high temperatures at home can cause dryness, which can lead to dehydration and various skin problems, as well as complications such as infections, respiratory conditions or headaches. In addition, when temperatures rise excessively, "worsening of allergies, dry mucous membranes or sleep disturbances" can occur, as explained by Dr. Sanz Almazán.
Night and day
Circumstances change at night, as we lie down and cover ourselves with a blanket or duvet. For this reason, the IDAE advises “adapting the heating to the actual hours of occupation of the dwellings and turning it off at night.” It is estimated that in this nocturnal environment heating is unnecessary, as Temperatures of around 15°C to 17°C are sufficient for a comfortable sleep.
If the house is not properly insulated, it is advisable to maintain a temperature of 15°C or 17°C. He also points out that “turning it off at night and turning it on for a short period when you wake up is significantly more efficient than keeping it on all night.”
I hope that with this information you can learn more about the ideal temperature to turn on the heating at home.