When the cold sets in, the same question returns every winter: what’s the right temperature for your heating system to keep warm without wasting energy?
While every home and personal preference are different, there are official recommendations and practical tips to strike the perfect balance between comfort, health, and energy efficiency.

Ideal Heating Temperature

Experts from the IDAE and the World Health Organization (WHO) agree that the optimal indoor temperature in winter is between 19°C and 21°C during the day.
Keeping your home within this range ensures comfort without skyrocketing your energy bill.

For every degree you raise the thermostat, energy consumption can increase by 6% to 8%, according to IDAE technicians.
So, if you usually set it at 23°C or higher, you might be paying around 20% more without feeling any extra warmth.

Best Temperature for Sleeping

At night, your body needs less heat.
The ideal sleeping temperature is between 15°C and 17°C, enough to stay comfortable with a good duvet or thermal blanket.
In fact, higher temperatures can affect sleep quality and reduce deep rest.

Tip: Program your thermostat to drop a few degrees when you go to bed and warm up again before you wake.
You’ll save energy and still wake up to a cozy room.

Recommended Temperatures by Room

Each room has its own thermal needs. It’s not necessary to keep the entire home at the same temperature:

• Living room and office: between 20°C and 21°C, since we spend more time sitting or resting.
• Kitchen and bathroom: 17°C to 18°C are enough, as these spaces usually generate heat from hot water and appliances.
• Bedrooms: 15°C to 17°C, especially if you sleep with thermal clothing or a thick duvet.
• Children’s or baby rooms: should be kept slightly warmer, between 20°C and 22°C, to avoid sudden temperature changes.
• Hallways or passage areas: don’t require constant heating; 15°C is sufficient.

Fact: In homes with central heating, installing thermostatic valves on each radiator can reduce energy consumption by up to 30% by regulating the temperature in each room.

When to Turn On the Heating

It’s not just what temperature, but when and how you heat your home.
Keep a steady temperature and avoid consumption peaks.

Generally, turn it on 1–2 hours before arriving home, depending on insulation and system type.
Well-insulated homes retain heat longer and need less energy.

Extra tip: Smart thermostats (like Google Nest or Tado) learn your habits and adjust automatically — saving energy without sacrificing comfort.

How to Save on Heating (Without Freezing)

• Improve insulation: Replacing old windows with double or triple glazing can cut heat loss by up to 40%.
• Use sunlight: Let natural light in during the day and close blinds at night to keep the heat in.
• Keep radiators clear: Avoid blocking them with furniture or curtains — that can reduce efficiency by 15%.
• Bleed radiators annually: Trapped air reduces efficiency.
• Upgrade your system: Heat pumps and condensing boilers are efficient, sustainable options.
• Avoid overusing electric heaters: They’re the most expensive type — combine them with rugs and thermal curtains.

Efficient Heating, Happy Planet

Using heating responsibly not only lowers your bills — it also cuts CO₂ emissions and supports Europe’s climate goals.
Since about 30% of household energy use in Spain comes from heating, small changes — like lowering the thermostat one degree — make a big difference.