What is room temperature and what should it be?

What is room temperature – and why does it matter?

Most of us rarely think about it. We just feel it. When a room feels too cold or too hot, we react instinctively – we open a window, turn up the heat or put on a sweater. But what exactly is the ideal room temperature ? And why is it important to understand and manage it – not just for comfort, but also for health, well-being and sustainability?

In this article, we delve into what room temperature is, how it affects people and buildings, and how you as a leader, facility manager or parent can make better decisions by understanding and actively working with the indoor climate.

What does room temperature mean?

Room temperature refers to the temperature of an enclosed space – typically measured in degrees Celsius. It is part of the overall indoor climate, which also includes humidity, CO₂ levels, noise and light. However, room temperature is one of the most immediately noticeable factors and plays a central role in how we experience comfort, concentration and well-being.

It is important to understand that room temperature is not an objective constant. It is experienced differently depending on age, activity level, clothing, and even gender. However, there are some general recommendations and standards that we will return to later.

Room temperature in a Danish context

Denmark has a temperate climate with large seasonal fluctuations. According to the Danish Meteorological Institute, the average annual temperature in Denmark has been increasing – from 8.3°C in the period 1981-2010 to 9.1°C in the period 2011-2020. This development is due, among other things, to climate change, which also leads to warmer winters and more frequent heat waves.

These changes naturally also affect our buildings. When the outside temperature rises, the need for heating and ventilation changes. This places demands on both technical solutions and behavioral changes. Therefore, it is more important than ever to have control over the room temperature – not only for the sake of comfort, but also for the climate.

What should the room temperature be?

There is no single correct room temperature, but there are general recommendations that can serve as guidelines:

• For living rooms such as living rooms, offices and classrooms, a temperature between 20°C and 22°C is recommended.
• For bedrooms, 17°C to 19°C is often recommended, as a slightly lower temperature promotes sleep quality.
• For kindergartens and schools, 21°C is typically recommended, as children are more sensitive to temperature fluctuations.

However, these figures are only indicative. The most important thing is to ensure a temperature that is perceived as comfortable and stable – without major fluctuations during the day. This requires both technical monitoring and an understanding of how people use the space.

Temperature and well-being

Room temperature affects more than just comfort. It has a direct impact on concentration, productivity and health. A room that is too hot can lead to fatigue and headaches, while a room that is too cold can cause muscle tension and a weakened immune system.

Stable temperatures are especially important for children and the elderly. Children do not regulate body heat as effectively as adults, and the elderly often have a reduced ability to sense cold. Therefore, precise monitoring and control of room temperature in schools, daycare centers and nursing homes is essential.

How do you measure and control room temperature effectively?

Traditionally, we have measured room temperature with simple thermometers – and controlled it with thermostats. But that only gives a snapshot. Today, there are intelligent solutions that provide a much more nuanced and actionable picture of the indoor climate.

At ÅBN , we have developed technology that makes it possible to visualize and understand room temperature and indoor climate in real time. Our sensors and dashboards give managers, teachers and children an intuitive overview of how the indoor climate is developing – and what can be done about it.

Imagine being able to see how the temperature changes throughout the day and how it affects children’s concentration or employees’ well-being. Or being notified when the temperature exceeds the comfort zone so you can act quickly. That’s exactly the kind of insight our solutions offer.

Room temperature and sustainability

It's not just people who are affected by room temperature – the climate is too. Heating and cooling buildings accounts for a large part of energy consumption in Denmark. According to Miljøtilstand.dk , Denmark is actively working to reduce CO₂ emissions and reach net zero by 2050. This requires, among other things, that we optimize energy consumption in buildings.

By intelligently monitoring and adjusting room temperature, you can reduce unnecessary heating and ventilation – without compromising comfort. This is where technologies like ÅBN’s platform make a difference. They provide decision-makers with data and insights so they can make sustainable choices based on facts – not gut feelings.

Read more about how ÅBN's solutions create understanding and action in schools, institutions and offices.

What can you do?

Whether you are a school principal, facility manager, parent, or work in a public or private institution, there are several things you can do to ensure a good room temperature:

1. Measure and visualize

Use sensors that measure temperature continuously and display data in a user-friendly format. This makes it easier to act quickly and accurately.

2. Understand behavior

Temperature is not only affected by the weather, but also by how people use the space. By combining data with knowledge about behavior, you can find patterns and optimize the use of the building. See more in our documentation on behavior change .

3. Communicate

Involve users – children, employees or residents – in understanding and improving indoor climate. When people know why it matters, they are more likely to act responsibly.

4. Think long-term

Good decisions about room temperature are not just about the here and now, but about creating healthy and sustainable buildings for the future. This requires investment in technology, but also in knowledge and culture.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about room temperature