January is the month when the heating runs almost non-stop. However, a warmer home doesn't necessarily mean a healthier or more comfortable one. Too high a temperature can cause fatigue, headaches, dry skin and higher energy bills, while too low affects concentration, sleep and immunity. Balance is key.
Below are recommendations used across Europe, adapted to everyday family life.
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Living room: 20–22°C (daytime)
This is the space where people spend the most time, but also where the body adapts most easily to temperature changes.
• Ideal temperature: 21°C
• If you move around a lot or have more people in the room – it can be 20°C.
• More than 22°C is often unnecessary and quickly “suffocates” the space
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Kitchen: 18–20°C
The kitchen heats itself during cooking.
• Optimal: 19°C
• Additional heating is often not necessary
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Bedroom (adults): 16–18°C (night)
A lower temperature contributes to better sleep.
• Ideal: 17°C
• Too warm air disrupts deep sleep and dries out the airways.
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Children's room: 18–20°C (day and night)
Children are more sensitive to temperature fluctuations.
• Babies and young children: 19–20°C
• Older children: 18–19°C
• Regular ventilation is important, even in winter
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Bathroom: 22–24°C (briefly, as needed)
A warmer bathroom is pleasant, but only while it's being used.
• No need to keep it constantly warm
• A short-term increase in temperature is sufficient.
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Corridors and utility rooms: 15–17°C
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Airing in winter: when and how often
Ventilation is also necessary during the winter months, even when temperatures are low. Short and intensive ventilation is recommended – opening the windows wide for 5 to 10 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day. It is best to ventilate in the morning after waking up, during the day when the room is most used, and in the evening before going to bed. If possible, briefly opening windows in several rooms at the same time allows for faster air exchange without significantly cooling the walls and furniture.
In winter, carbon dioxide, moisture and harmful particles quickly accumulate in closed spaces, especially in homes where cooking, drying laundry or multiple people are staying. Regular ventilation reduces the risk of condensation and mold, improves sleep quality and concentration, and contributes to healthier breathing. Short ventilations use significantly less energy than constantly keeping the windows “open”.
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Nighttime temperature drop
Lowering the temperature at night by 2–3 degrees:
• improves sleep quality
• reduces energy consumption
• does not negatively affect health
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Air humidity - an often forgotten factor
The ideal humidity in a heated space is 40–60%.
• Dry air can cause coughing, dry skin and eye irritation.
• Humidifiers help, but so do simple measures: containers of water, houseplants, and regular ventilation.
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The most common mistakes in home heating
• Overheating the space “just in case”
• Keeping the same temperature day and night
• Completely closing the ventilation and avoiding airing in winter
• Heating of rarely used rooms
• Neglecting air humidity
The warmth of a home is not measured by the number of degrees, but by the feeling of comfort, healthy air, and rational energy consumption.
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