Why the Famous 19°C Belongs to the Past

For years, we’ve all internalized that famous figure: 19°C, the so-called “ideal” temperature. Recommended everywhere, it has long been presented as the perfect compromise between comfort and energy savings. Almost a rule set in stone, passed down through generations, it has become a true winter mantra.

But today—surprise—experts are seriously qualifying this advice, asserting that it no longer reflects the reality of modern homes. What if our interiors simply no longer have the same needs as they did in the past?

A Recommendation Born in Another Era

When the 19°C guideline first emerged in the 1970s, homes lost an enormous amount of heat. Poor insulation, single-pane windows, and inadequate ventilation meant that maintaining even 19°C required a significant energy effort.

At the time, heating was limited not for reasons of “thermal comfort,” but because heating systems were inefficient and costly to operate. The famous 19°C was therefore never an ideal temperature—it was an economic compromise shaped by the technical constraints of the era.

Today, the situation has changed dramatically. Modern homes are:

• better insulated,

• better ventilated,

• far less prone to heat loss,

• equipped with more precise heating systems.

In short, the old benchmark no longer applies.

The New Ideal Temperature? It Depends on Your Lifestyle

Experts now agree that a temperature of around 20°C in living areas is more consistent with modern habits. Just one additional degree can significantly improve comfort—especially for people who work from home and remain seated for long periods.

This slight increase has other benefits as well:

• It reduces condensation on windows and walls, which occurs when indoor air is too cool and humid.

• Less condensation means a lower risk of mold, contributing to a healthier indoor environment.

All this without a significant increase in energy consumption.

Smart Heating: The Real Key to Comfort

Another major shift: heating every room to the same temperature no longer makes sense. The modern approach is room-by-room temperature management, adjusted to actual usage.

Recommended ranges include:

• Living room / home office: 19.5 to 20.5°C
  Ideal for spaces where you remain seated or inactive for long periods.

• Bedrooms: 17 to 18°C
  Cooler temperatures promote better sleep quality.

• Bathroom: 21 to 22°C
  Helps avoid thermal shock when stepping out of the shower.

• Hallways and entrances: 16 to 18°C
  These are transitional spaces where prolonged comfort isn’t necessary.

Thanks to smart thermostats, this intelligent management can be automated. These devices learn your habits, lower the temperature when you’re away, and eliminate unnecessary heating. Some households report energy savings of up to 15%, all without sacrificing comfort.

From a Rigid Rule to a Personalized Balance

From a Rigid Rule to a Personalized Balance

Experts now emphasize customized heating rather than a universal temperature. Every home is different—humidity levels, insulation quality, orientation, and lifestyle all play a role.

The real questions are no longer:

• “Is my home set to 19°C?”

But rather:

• Do I feel comfortable in the rooms I use?

• Is the temperature adapted to how each space is used?

• Is humidity under control?

• Is my energy consumption optimized rather than standardized?