Do you know how cold is too cold for a house? It’s a question many of us ask when winter rolls in and energy bills start climbing. Keeping your home at the right temperature isn’t just about staying cosy—it’s about staying healthy and avoiding damage to your home. In this guide, we’ll break down what temperature is too cold for a house, explain why staying warm matters, and share practical tips to make sure your home stays safe and comfortable for you—and even your pets like cats in the UK.
What Temperature is Too Cold for a House?
To know what temperature is too cold for a house, experts agree that temperatures below 18°C can cause problems for health and home. If your home is too cold, you might feel uncomfortable, but it can also lead to serious health risks or damage to your property.
Why Low Temperatures Are Dangerous
- Health Risks: Temperatures under 18°C can worsen asthma, arthritis, and even heart problems. If your home drops below 15°C, it increases the risk of hypothermia for older people or babies.
- Damp and Mould: Cold houses are more likely to become damp, leading to mould that’s bad for your lungs and general well-being.
- Structural Problems: Pipes can freeze and burst if it’s too cold, causing expensive repairs.
The minimum temperature at home should be 18°C during the day in your living spaces to protect against these risks.
Room temperatures for UK house
Is 15 Degrees Too Cold for a House?
So, is 15 degrees too cold for a house? The answer is a clear yes. While some individuals may find 15°C tolerable for short periods, consistently maintaining your home at or below this temperature can have significant downsides. Beyond feeling uncomfortable, prolonged exposure to such low temperatures can affect your health, home, and overall quality of life. It’s essential to recognize the potential risks and take steps to ensure a safer, warmer living environment.
Why 15°C Isn’t Warm Enough
Living in a home at 15°C can put unnecessary strain on your body. At this temperature, your body has to work overtime to stay warm, which can stress your heart and lungs, particularly for older adults, children, or those with existing health conditions. Cold homes also make it harder to fight off illnesses, leaving you more vulnerable to colds, flu, and other infections.
Additionally, a house kept at 15°C often feels damp. This dampness creates the perfect environment for mould and mildew to grow, which can damage your home and trigger respiratory problems, such as asthma or allergies. Damp conditions can also weaken wooden structures and walls over time, leading to costly repairs.
If maintaining a higher temperature feels out of reach due to financial constraints, exploring central heating grants might provide a practical solution. These grants are designed to help households afford modern heating systems, such as first time central heating installations. Upgrading to a reliable central heating system ensures consistent warmth, helping to keep your home safe, dry, and comfortable for everyone.
How Cold is Too Cold for Cats in a House (UK)?
How cold is too cold for cats in a house, UK pet owners may ask. Cats are pretty adaptable, but they aren’t invincible. Temperatures below 16°C can make them uncomfortable, especially if they’re short-haired breeds or elderly.
How to Tell If Your Cat Is Cold
- Behavioural Changes: Your cat might curl up tightly or sit near warm places like radiators.
- Physical Signs: Check their ears and paws—if they feel cold, your cat might be chilly.
- Less Activity: Cats that are too cold often sleep more and move less.
To keep your cat happy, aim to keep your home between 18–21°C. Provide them with warm bedding or blankets, especially during cold snaps.
How to Maintain the Minimum Temperature at Home
Maintaining the minimum temperature at home can feel tricky during the colder months, especially with rising energy costs. Luckily, there are simple ways to keep your house warm and safe:
1. Install or Upgrade Your Heating System
A reliable heating system is the backbone of a warm and safe home. If your current system struggles to heat your house evenly or leaves certain rooms cold, consider upgrading to a modern system. Installing a first time central heating system is one of the most effective ways to achieve consistent warmth throughout your home. Unlike portable heaters or old boilers, central heating distributes heat evenly to every room, eliminating cold spots and making it easier to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
For households without a central heating system, now is the perfect time to explore installation options. Not only does it improve the overall comfort of your home, but it can also reduce energy waste, helping you save on bills in the long run. Regular maintenance of your heating system is also essential—ensure your boiler is serviced annually and radiators are bled to keep the system running efficiently.
2. Explore Central Heating Grants
Struggling to afford heating upgrades? Look into central heating grants. Many government schemes can help cover the costs of installing or upgrading heating systems for eligible households.
3. Focus on Insulation
Don’t forget the importance of cavity wall insulation in maintaining warmth. Heat can escape quickly from poorly insulated homes, meaning your heating system has to work harder to keep temperatures steady. Adding insulation to your loft, walls, and windows helps trap heat inside, ensuring your home stays warm for longer. Double-glazing your windows or using thermal curtains can make a noticeable difference, especially in older properties.
Insulation keeps warm air in and cold air out. You can insulate:
- Walls with cavity wall insulation.
- Lofts to stop heat escaping through your roof.
- Windows by upgrading to double or triple glazing.
4. Small Changes Make a Big Difference
Simple adjustments can also make a significant impact:
- Close doors to keep heat in.
- Use draught excluders and thermal curtains.
- Put rugs on hard floors to make rooms feel warmer.
Why Keeping Your Home Warm Matters
To sum up, how cold is too cold for a house? Temperatures below 18°C aren’t safe for your health or home. Anything below 15°C, especially for long periods, can cause serious issues, like damp, mould, and health risks. By upgrading your heating, exploring central heating grants, and insulating your home, you can maintain a safe and cosy environment.
Remember, your pets also need a warm home. If you’re wondering how cold is too cold for cats in a UK house, try to keep your home above 16°C for their comfort. A warm home isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protecting everyone who lives there.
FAQs
1. What is the lowest temp your house should be?
The minimum temperature at home should be 18°C to ensure safety and comfort for everyone living there.
2. Is 15 degrees too cold for a house?
Yes, 15 degrees is too cold for a house over long periods. It can lead to health risks and structural issues.
3. How cold is too cold for cats in a UK house?
Temperatures below 16°C can make cats uncomfortable, especially those with short fur or health problems.
4. What temperature is too cold for a house?
Experts recommend keeping your home above 18°C to prevent health and home damage.
5. How can central heating grants help?
Central heating grants provide financial support to help households install or improve heating systems, making homes safer and warmer.
