How high should your room temperature be?

How high should your room temperature be?

Room temperature sounds simple – it's the temperature we have in our living room, right? But in reality, it's a key concept when we talk about well-being, health, energy consumption and sustainability in both the home and the workplace. Because how warm does it really have to be for us to thrive? And can we do something as simple as turning it down a little and at the same time make a difference for the climate?

In this article, we delve into what room temperature really is, how it affects us, and why it is an important part of both our personal comfort and Denmark's green transition. We also give you concrete advice and insight into how ÅBN's technology can help you understand and optimize your indoor climate.

What does room temperature actually mean?

Room temperature refers to the temperature that is perceived as comfortable in an indoor living space. In Denmark, it is typically between 20 and 22°C, but can vary depending on the season, activity level and individual preferences. According to the Danish Climate Council , it is precisely in this range that most Danes feel most comfortable – especially in the winter months.

But room temperature is not just about comfort. It is also an indicator of how we use energy, how our buildings function, and how we prioritize health and sustainability in everyday life.

Room temperature in the home – comfort vs. climate

For many Danes, 21°C in the living room is almost an unwritten rule. This is where we feel comfortable, especially in the cold months. But comfort and climate impact are closely linked. A reduction of just one degree can reduce energy consumption for heating by up to 5% – and this can be felt both on the electricity bill and the CO₂ account.

That's why several municipal energy guidelines and public campaigns recommend that you try to keep the temperature around 20°C if you want to reduce your climate footprint. It's a small change with a big effect.

How does room temperature affect our health?

The temperature in our homes has a direct impact on our health. Too low a temperature can lead to discomfort, increased risk of respiratory diseases and reduced immune function – especially among children and the elderly. Conversely, too high a temperature can create dry air and worsen symptoms in allergy and asthma sufferers.

It's all about balance. And that's exactly why it's important to know your indoor climate and be able to follow how it develops over time. Here, ÅBN's solutions are a helping hand. With the Cloud, you can get a clear overview of temperature, air quality and other indoor climate factors – in real time and with user-friendly visualizations.

Room temperature at the workplace

In offices and institutions, room temperature is not just a question of comfort – it is also about productivity and safety. According to the Danish Working Environment Authority, the temperature in office workplaces should be at least 18°C, but preferably between 20 and 22°C for optimal well-being.

An office environment that is too hot or too cold can lead to fatigue, difficulty concentrating and dissatisfaction among employees. That’s why it’s crucial that facility managers and decision-makers have access to reliable data about the indoor climate – and the ability to act on it.

With ÅBN's intuitive platform, you as a manager or operations manager can access a comprehensive overview of the indoor climate throughout the building. This makes it easier to make decisions that both ensure employee well-being and reduce energy consumption. Read more about how our technology works on the Inside page .

Room temperature and energy policy – ​​the big picture

Room temperature is not just a private matter. It is also an important piece of Denmark's climate goals. According to the Danish Climate Council , heating buildings constitutes a significant part of households' total CO₂ emissions. That is why there is a great deal of political focus on getting Danes to turn down the heat a little – and to think about the climate in their everyday lives.

Initiatives from both the state and municipalities are calling for us to lower the temperature in homes and workplaces by just 1-2 degrees. It's not just symbolic politics – it's concrete action that matters. And with the right technologies and habits, it's easy to make a difference without compromising comfort.

How do you know if the room temperature is appropriate?

The short answer: By measuring it. But it's also about understanding the connection between temperature, air quality and behavior. For example, a temperature of 21°C can feel cold if the air is too dry or stagnant.

Therefore, it is important to look at room temperature in conjunction with other indoor climate factors. ÅBN's solutions make it possible to follow multiple parameters at once – and visualize them in a way that is easy to understand and act on.

Want to know more about how we work with behavioral change and indoor climate data? See our page on behavioral change and documentation .

How to optimize your room temperature – 5 concrete tips

1. Measure your temperature continuously. Use sensors that give you accurate data – preferably with history and warnings.
2. Keep the temperature stable. Avoid large fluctuations, which can disrupt both well-being and energy consumption.
3. Turn down carefully. Try lowering the temperature 1 degree at a time – and see how it feels.
4. Take advantage of daylight. The sun can help with heating – draw the curtains during the day.
5. Ventilate wisely. Fresh air is important – but do it briefly and efficiently so you don't lose too much heat.

How does ÅBN help understand room temperature better?

At ÅBN, we believe that understanding your indoor climate should be as easy as checking the weather forecast. That's why we've developed solutions that visualize temperature, air quality, humidity and CO₂ in real time – with intuitive dashboards that make it easy to act on data.

Our technology is already in use in schools, offices and institutions across the country – helping children, parents, leaders and facility managers create healthier and more sustainable environments. With data in hand, it becomes easier to make decisions that benefit both people and the planet.

Would you like to know more, or do you need advice about your indoor climate? Contact us here – we are ready to help.

FAQ about room temperature