What Temperature Should a House Be in Winter?
The NHS and UK Government recommend keeping your main living areas at around 18–21°C during the winter.
This temperature range is considered comfortable, energy-efficient, and safe — especially for the elderly, young children, or anyone with health conditions.
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18°C → Minimum safe indoor temperature for healthy adults
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21°C → Ideal temperature for living rooms and lounges
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16–18°C → Suitable for bedrooms when you’re under the duvet
Maintaining these levels helps prevent cold-related illnesses and keeps your home warm without wasting energy.
What Temperature Should You Set Your Thermostat in Winter?
For most UK homes, setting your thermostat to 18–20°C is the sweet spot.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Room Type | Recommended Winter Temperature |
|---|---|
| Living Room / Lounge | 19–21°C |
| Bedrooms | 16–18°C |
| Kitchen | 18–20°C |
| Bathroom | 21–23°C |
If you’re away from home during the day, you can safely lower the temperature to 15–16°C to save energy — just don’t let it drop too low, or your pipes could freeze.
How to Save Money on Heating Bills During Winter
Energy costs can rise quickly when the cold sets in, but a few smart changes can make a big difference. Here’s how to stay warm and keep your bills under control:
1. Lower the Thermostat by 1°C
Reducing your thermostat by just one degree can cut your heating bill by up to 10% — and you’ll barely notice the difference in temperature.
2. Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats allow you to schedule heating times and adjust temperatures remotely.
This means your heating only runs when you actually need it, saving energy and money.
3. Bleed Your Radiators
Trapped air can prevent radiators from heating up properly. Bleeding them ensures your system runs efficiently, providing more heat for less energy.
4. Insulate Your Home
Good insulation is key to retaining heat. Check your loft, walls, windows and doors — small fixes like draught excluders and window seals can make a big difference.
5. Close Curtains at Night
Thick curtains act as extra insulation and help keep the heat inside once the sun goes down.
6. Service Your Boiler Annually
An annual boiler service ensures your system is running safely and efficiently — preventing costly breakdowns and helping you save on energy over time.
👉 Book your boiler service with Shropshire Gas today to keep your heating running smoothly all winter.
Ideal Bedroom Temperature in Winter
For a good night’s sleep, experts recommend keeping your bedroom between 16°C and 18°C.
This slightly cooler temperature supports better sleep quality while still keeping you comfortable under the covers.
Summary: The Best Thermostat Setting for Winter
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Daytime: 18–21°C
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Night-time / Bedrooms: 16–18°C
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Away from home: 15–16°C
Keeping your thermostat steady within this range offers the best balance between comfort, energy efficiency, and cost savings.
Need Help Staying Warm Efficiently?
At Shropshire Gas, we help homeowners across the West Midlands and Shropshire stay safe and warm throughout the winter.
Whether you need a boiler service, new thermostat, or heating system check, our Gas Safe registered engineers are here to help.
📞 Get in touch today to book your winter heating service and make sure your home is ready for the cold months ahead.