What is the ideal temperature for a house in winter? Tips to stay warm

What is the ideal temperature for a house in winter? It’s a question every homeowner asks when winter is coming. The truth is, it depends on the type of room, who lives in the house, and even how well-insulated your space is. Let’s explore what experts recommend, and how you can keep your house warm, efficient, and cozy all season long.

What is the ideal temperature for a house in winter?

What is the ideal temperature for a house in winter?

According to experts at Glow-worm and the IRSAP, the ideal home temperature during winter generally falls between 18°C and 21°C (64°F to 70°F).

This range provides a comfortable environment while helping to conserve energy and prevent excessive heating or humidity buildup.

Here’s a quick breakdown of typical room temperatures recommended for different parts of the house: 

If your heating system is working overtime to maintain higher temperatures, you might experience high energy bills and low humidity levels, leading to discomfort or dry air problems. 

It is proven that keeping your home slightly cooler when you’re asleep or away can significantly reduce energy use without sacrificing warmth.

The ideal home temperature during winter falls between 18°C and 21°C

Ideal temperature for vulnerable groups in winter

Different people have different comfort needs, especially during cold months. Let’s look at how temperature setting can be adjusted for those who are more sensitive to the cold. 

Ideal temperature for the elderly in winter

It is recommended that elderly people keep their living areas around 21°C (70°F) during the day and no lower than 18°C (64°F) at night. 

Older adults are more susceptible to cold-related illnesses, so consistent warmth is key to preventing hypothermia or respiratory issues.

Elderly people stay in areas which is around 21°C in winter

Ideal temperature for a baby in winter

Babies have a harder time regulating body temperature. The ideal temperature for infants is typically 20°C to 22°C (68°F-72°F).

This ensures your baby stays warm without overheating, which can be dangerous.

Using a room thermometer and dressing your baby in light layers helps maintain a safe and comfortable sleep environment.

The ideal temperature for infants is typically 20°C to 22°C

Ideal temperature for pregnancy in winter

Pregnant individuals may feel warmer due to hormonal changes, but still need a balanced environment.

The best setting is around 18°C–20°C (64°F-68°F), enough to stay comfortable without overheating or drying out the air.

Pregnant people should stay in a temperature around 18°C–20°C

Factors affecting your room temperature

Even if you set your thermostat to the ‘ideal’ temperature, your home may still feel too cold or too warm. That’s because several external and internal factors influence indoor comfort.

Insulations and draughty spots

Poor insulation lets warm air escape cold air creeps in. Check your attic, windows, and door frames for leaks, and seal any gaps.

Adding insulation or using draught stoppers around windows can greatly improve your home’s heat retention.

Check windows and door frames for leaks, and seal the gaps

Size of home and room layout

Large, open spaces require more energy to heat. Consider using zone heating, where you only warm the rooms you use most often. Rearranging furniture to avoid blocking vents also improves air circulation.

Warm the rooms you use most often

Windows and sunlight exposure

Sunshine can heat a room quickly through south-facing windows. Glass also loses heat at night, so heavy curtains help trap warmth after dark.

The amount of glazing, its direction, and the room’s thermal mass (walls/floors that store heat) all change how much radiant warmth you get.

Letting sunshine in can heat a room quickly 

Humidity levels

Humidity affects how your body loses heat and how air feels. In cold, damp rooms, high humidity can make you feel chillier; very dry air can also feel uncomfortable.

Maintain humidity levels between 30-50% for moderate indoor humidity, and ventilate to avoid damp or mold.

Humidity can affect how air feels

How to heat your house?

If your house still feels cold even when the thermostat is set right, it might be time to optimize your heating methods. 

Here are some effective ways to heat your house safely:

• Use programmable thermostats to adjust temperatures automatically based on your schedule.

• Bleed your radiators to remove trapped air and improve heat efficiency.

• Add rugs and curtains to trap warmth.

• Place heating devices safely, avoiding curtains or flammable materials.

• Keep interior doors closed to retain heat in active rooms.

• You can also find government-backed safety and insulation advice from MSD New Zealand’s guide on maintaining a warm, healthy home.

Effective ways to heat your house

Easy ways to cut electricity costs

Heating costs often break people’s budgets. 

However,a  few habits can help you stay warm while cutting energy bills:

• Only heat the rooms when using: Do not run heating throughout the entire home all the time. Focus your heat on spaces where people spend time (living rooms, bedrooms).

• Set reasonable thermostat targets: Aim for comfort over overkill. For many households, keeping the thermostat around 18 °C to 21 °C is sufficient to stay warm without waste.

• Seal drafts and block cold air leaks: As much as 20% of heating energy can be lost through cracks around windows, doors, and chimneys. Use weatherstripping, caulk, and door sweeps to block leaks. 

• Use curtains and blinds strategically: You can open curtains during sunny daytime hours to let solar heat in, and close them as soon as the sun sets to trap warmth inside.

• Optimize your hot water use: You can try washing clothes with cold or lower-temperature cycles.

• Turn off standby appliances and lights: Many devices (TVs, computers, chargers) draw power even when “off.” Unplug or switch off at the wall when not in use.

• Use efficient cooking and fridge practices: Keep lids on pots, use minimal water, and simmer instead of boiling to save energy when cooking

• Choose energy-efficient heaters and maintain them well: Use heater with built-in thermostat so they do not keep running once the room is warm. 

• Improve insulation and home envelope: Upgrade loft, wall, and underfloor insulation where possible, better insulation means less energy wasted

• Use smart or timed control: Use a programmable or smart thermostat so heating runs only when needed (morning, evening).

Tips to save your energy bills

Conclusion

Finding what is the ideal temperature for a house in winter is essential for anyone. For most homes, keeping it between 18°C and 21°C ensures comfort, health, and energy efficiency. Adjust for age, health, and activity level, and remember that insulation, sunlight, and humidity play a huge role in how warm your home feels.