World Health Organization specialists have established that 18 degrees Celsius represents the minimum safe temperature for homes, according to analysis reported by the Polish Press Agency’s health service.
Researchers examined whether people living in homes where the temperature drops below 18°C face greater health risks than those maintaining at least this threshold. The findings suggest that for healthy adults leading sedentary lifestyles, the range between 18°C and 24°C poses no elevated health risks. However, experts emphasise that below 18 degrees, the likelihood of negative health impacts increases significantly.
“This is why 18 degrees Celsius is considered the universally accepted minimum,” the health service noted.
Vulnerable groups need warmer homes
Children, elderly people and those suffering from chronic illnesses—particularly respiratory conditions—require higher indoor temperatures. For these vulnerable groups, specialists recommend maintaining at least 20°C, and possibly higher depending on individual health needs.
Research from Japan demonstrated tangible health benefits of warmer conditions for older adults. When elderly participants stayed in rooms heated to 24°C, scientists observed a clear drop in blood pressure, which could prove significant in preventing cardiovascular problems during winter months.
A German study revealed that older women in cooler conditions (15°C) performed worse in physical tests, including speed of standing and stride length. This suggests that inadequate heating may limit the independence of senior citizens.
The dangers of overheating
Excessively high temperatures also present problems, and not only in summer. Many people overheat their homes during winter, according to WHO research. Whilst available studies do not establish a definitive upper safe limit, evidence suggests that values above 24–27°C can negatively affect wellbeing and health.
Research from the United States showed that reducing the number of days with temperatures exceeding 27°C improved quality of life and decreased stress levels among participants.
Living in insufficiently heated homes can trigger serious health consequences. Cold conditions have been linked to worsening asthma symptoms, whilst poorly heated houses during winter contribute to respiratory and circulatory problems. Children in cold homes experience more frequent respiratory infections, experts warn.
Two years ago, Poland’s climate minister suggested that 17°C would suffice in communal spaces, with 19°C in more frequently used rooms. However, WHO guidelines and available research indicate that for health safety, most people should maintain at least 18°C at home, with children, elderly residents and the chronically ill requiring somewhat higher temperatures.
What this means for Poles in the UK
For Polish families in Britain navigating rising energy costs, these WHO findings offer evidence-based guidance on safe heating levels. Maintaining 18°C is not merely about comfort but represents a genuine health threshold, particularly during the UK’s cold, damp winters which can aggravate respiratory conditions.
Households with elderly relatives, young children or family members with asthma or cardiovascular disease should prioritise keeping temperatures at or above 20°C. Those struggling with heating bills may qualify for support through the UK government’s Warm Home Discount scheme (£150 off electricity bills) or local council assistance programmes. The NHS advises that cold homes increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and respiratory infections, making adequate heating a medical necessity rather than a luxury.
Poles renting in the UK should be aware that landlords must ensure heating systems work properly. If your home cannot reach safe temperatures, contact your landlord immediately and, if necessary, your local environmental health department. Keeping homes below WHO-recommended levels to save money may result in higher healthcare costs and missed work days due to illness.