What Temperature at Home Supports Your Health?
Why Indoor Temperature Matters More Than You Think
We spend a lot of time at home, sleeping, relaxing, working. The temperature inside shapes not just comfort, but health. Living in a home that is too cold, too hot, or swings drastically in temperature can affect sleep, mood, energy, and even respiratory or cardiovascular wellbeing. Homes that maintain a stable, healthy temperature reduce illness, support better rest, and help people function at their best.
What the Experts Recommend: Guidelines & Research
- In New Zealand, the Healthy Homes Standards require rental living rooms to have heating that can reach at least 18°C, to protect health and comfort. (communitylaw.org.nz)
- The WHO’s Housing and Health Guidelines list low indoor temperatures as a risk factor and recommend keeping homes warm and healthy to reduce illness from cold homes. (who.int)
- A NZ study involving more than 2,000 children (Growing Up in New Zealand / BRANZ) found that bedtime indoor temperatures between 19-25°C, together with about 50% relative humidity, were linked to best child health and wellbeing outcomes. Homes outside this range were associated with poorer health reports. (auckland.ac.nz)
Room by Room Temperature Tips
Here are practical target ranges and adjustments based on room use, always considering insulation, ventilation, and occupant needs:
Room | Healthy Temp Range* | Notes / Adjustments |
Living room / main shared space | ~18-21°C | Warm enough for comfort but not overheating. Consider zones or timed heating. |
Bedroom | ~17-20°C | Slightly cooler helps sleep, especially at night. Bedding and ventilation important. |
Bathroom (when in use) | Higher transient temp OK (e.g. 22-25°C) | Warmth helps for bathing, but ventilation is crucial immediately after use. |
Kitchen | Modestly warm (~18-20°C) | Cooking adds heat, often enough, so less need for constant heating. |
*Ranges should be adapted based on house design, insulation, and climate zone.
More Than Just Numbers: What Else Makes a Healthy Indoor Climate
- Humidity and Ventilation: Damp, poorly ventilated homes lead to risk of mould, respiratory issues. Keeping humidity around 40-60% is ideal. Proper airflow helps.
- Thermal Consistency: Homes that oscillate wildly (cold nights, hot days) stress the body. Good envelope design, good insulation, and smart glazing help maintain steady temperatures.
- Individual Factors: Age, health, clothing, activity levels matter. What is comfortable for a young adult may not suit an older person or someone with health issues.
How Platinum Homes Helps You Get It Right
At Platinum Homes, we design new homes with health, efficiency and comfort in mind.
High Performance Homes
Our High Performance homes offer long term exceptional comfort, sustainability and energy efficiency, giving you energy savings you will continue to enjoy. These homes are built with advanced construction methods, high grade insulation, balanced ventilation and German-engineered systems to maintain healthy temperatures and air quality all year round.
Premium Homes
Our Premium Homes also focus on quality and comfort, with carefully selected materials and thoughtful design features that help you live well every day, and high grade insulation and thermal glazing.
Conclusion: Your Home, Your Health
Your home’s temperature is not just about comfort. It is about wellbeing. Getting the balance right, not too cold, not too hot, helps your body rest, heal, stay strong and stay healthy. If you are planning a new home or thinking about improving your current one, temperature and performance are not afterthoughts, they are foundational.
Visit our show homes or talk to our team about how we build homes designed for healthy living and long term comfort.
Further reading
Join us for the Grand Opening of our brand new Platinum Homes Taranaki Show Home.
From the team here at Platinum Homes, we wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy festive season.
Our Show Homes will be closed over the Christmas break – look below for the dates they reopen in January 2026. See you all in the new year!
Designing a forever home is about more than just where you live today. It is about creating a space you’ll enjoy for years to come.