What Temperature Should a House Be

The temperature inside a home affects far more than comfort. It has a direct impact on health, energy use, running costs and even the structural integrity of the building itself. Whether you are trying to reduce your heating bills, keep your home safe for children or older adults, or ensure your property complies with UK standards, understanding the ideal room temperatures is essential. Knowing what temperature a house should be can help maintain wellbeing while balancing efficiency and affordability.

This guide explains the recommended room temperatures for different areas of the home, the legal and health-related considerations in the UK, and how to manage indoor climate in a way that is both safe and cost-effective.

What Is the Ideal Indoor Temperature?

The recommended indoor temperature for a typical UK home is around 18 to 21 degrees Celsius. This range is considered comfortable and healthy for most people. The World Health Organization suggests that 18 degrees is suitable for healthy adults, while older adults, young children and those with certain health conditions may benefit from slightly warmer environments, ideally around 21 degrees.

Each room may have slightly different needs. Bedrooms are often kept cooler to encourage sleep, around 16 to 18 degrees. Living rooms and bathrooms may feel more pleasant at the higher end of the scale. Kitchens can be slightly cooler since cooking appliances contribute additional warmth.

Who Does It Affect and Why Does It Matter?

Homeowners, landlords, tenants, housing providers and energy efficiency professionals all have a stake in maintaining appropriate indoor temperatures. For landlords, there is a legal duty to provide safe and habitable accommodation, which includes ensuring homes are warm enough during colder months. For tenants, especially those in vulnerable groups, living in cold homes can lead to serious health issues.

Poor temperature regulation can cause problems such as condensation, damp, mould and respiratory illnesses. It can also put pressure on the NHS during winter, when cold homes are linked to an increase in seasonal deaths. For families with children, or those caring for elderly relatives, keeping rooms at the right temperature is especially important.

Legal and Health Considerations in the UK

While there is no law that dictates an exact temperature every home must maintain, there are standards and regulations that guide expectations. Under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System used by local authorities, cold indoor temperatures are classed as a Category 1 hazard if they pose a serious risk to occupants. This can result in enforcement action against landlords if heating is inadequate.

The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations require that all privately rented homes meet a minimum EPC rating of E. Improving insulation, heating systems and ventilation all contribute to maintaining suitable temperatures indoors. Social housing providers also have specific responsibilities to ensure homes are safe, warm and energy efficient.

Public health guidance suggests that vulnerable groups should never be exposed to temperatures below 16 degrees, as this increases the risk of health problems such as stroke or heart attack. For those with limited mobility, a constant indoor temperature of 21 degrees may be required.

How to Measure and Manage Temperature

Measuring indoor temperature accurately can be done with a simple thermometer placed at head height, away from direct sunlight or draughts. Many households now use smart thermostats or programmable systems to maintain steady warmth while managing energy use. These allow different zones of the home to be heated to different temperatures depending on usage and occupancy.

To maintain temperature efficiently, it is essential to ensure insulation is adequate. This includes loft and wall insulation, double glazing and draught-proofing. Central heating should be regularly serviced to ensure it is working effectively. Portable heaters should be used with caution, as they can be expensive to run and pose safety risks if not managed properly.

Managing Heating Costs

With energy bills remaining high, managing heating efficiently is crucial. Reducing the thermostat by just one degree can lower heating bills by up to ten percent without a noticeable impact on comfort. Setting heating schedules, using thermostatic radiator valves and closing doors in unused rooms are all effective strategies.

Financial help is available for eligible households through schemes such as the Winter Fuel Payment, Cold Weather Payment and Energy Company Obligation. Local authorities may also offer grants or advice on energy efficiency improvements for vulnerable or low-income households.

Sustainable and Design Considerations

Modern building design focuses increasingly on energy efficiency and thermal comfort. New build homes are subject to strict standards under Part L of the Building Regulations, which govern the conservation of fuel and power. Features such as underfloor heating, air source heat pumps and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery are becoming more common to maintain consistent warmth with minimal energy waste.

Retrofits can also improve temperature control in older properties. Upgrades such as cavity wall insulation, secondary glazing or floor insulation can make a substantial difference in how well a home retains heat. For landlords, investing in these improvements can raise the EPC rating and reduce long-term maintenance issues caused by condensation or damp.

Case Example

A family living in a 1930s semi-detached home in Nottingham struggled to keep rooms above 16 degrees during winter, despite using central heating for several hours each day. An energy assessment revealed poor loft insulation and single-glazed windows as the main issues. After installing new insulation and upgrading to double glazing, the family reported consistent room temperatures of 19 to 20 degrees with lower heating costs. Their EPC rating improved from F to D.

Conclusion

Maintaining the right indoor temperature is vital for comfort, health and energy efficiency. For most UK homes, 18 to 21 degrees is ideal, with slight variations depending on age and health of occupants. Legal guidance, energy efficiency standards and smart heating technologies all play a role in keeping homes warm and safe. By understanding the right temperature for each room and using energy wisely, homeowners and landlords can protect both wellbeing and finances through every season.