Why do we feel cold at home even when the thermostat is set to 20°C? Here’s what really makes the difference

It’s a common experience—you’re sitting at home, the thermostat reads a comfortable 20°C, but you can’t shake the feeling of being cold. It’s perplexing, isn’t it? Why does a temperature that should feel warm still leave you reaching for a sweater or blanket? The answer lies in a combination of factors that affect how we experience heat. Let’s take a closer look at the science, physiology, and even psychology behind this sensation, and explore some simple steps you can take to stay warm.

An Unreliable Ambient Temperature

At first glance, 20°C seems like a comfortable indoor temperature. However, what the thermostat reads isn’t always a perfect reflection of how warm or cold we feel in a room. The sensation of heat is influenced by more than just the number on the thermostat—it depends on elements like insulation, humidity, and air circulation.

In many homes, even when the thermostat is set to 20°C, the room can still feel chilly due to a variety of factors that go unnoticed. So, let’s break down the main culprits.

1. Poor Insulation: The Real Culprit of Your Coldness

When it comes to feeling warm indoors, insulation is key. In homes with poor insulation, the warmth generated by your heating system can easily escape, leaving you with cold walls and floors.

• Cold Walls: If the walls of your home feel cold to the touch, it’s usually a sign that they aren’t properly insulated. Cold walls allow the external chill to seep inside, even when the room’s air temperature seems fine. This not only affects your comfort but also leads to higher energy bills, as heat escapes through these weak spots.
• Windows and Doors: Another major issue is windows. Single-glazed windows or outdated seals around doors can let in drafts, making the whole room feel colder. The chilly air from outside can infiltrate your space, counteracting the warmth you’re trying to maintain indoors.
• Floors: If your home is on the ground floor or lacks a well-heated basement, the cold from the earth below can easily draw the warmth from the room. The floor can absorb a significant amount of heat, making you feel like the entire room is cooler than it should be.

In homes with proper insulation, these issues are minimized, allowing for a more uniform temperature and reducing the “chilly” feeling, even when the thermostat is set to 20°C.

2. Humidity: A Factor Often Overlooked

Humidity plays a significant role in how we perceive temperature. A room with the wrong level of moisture in the air can feel much colder or hotter than it actually is.

• Dry Air: During the winter months, indoor air tends to become very dry, especially with the use of central heating. This dry air can cause your skin to lose moisture more quickly, making it feel colder. Electric heaters and space heaters, while great for warming the room, often dry out the air and exacerbate this effect.
• Too Much Humidity: On the flip side, high humidity can also make a room feel colder. When the air is too moist, it can cool surfaces and walls, contributing to the sensation of coldness. Excess moisture can also make it harder for your body to stay warm, as your skin is constantly in contact with damp, chilly air.

To maintain a comfortable indoor climate, aim for a humidity level between 40% and 60%. You can use a humidifier if the air is too dry or a dehumidifier if the moisture is overwhelming.

3. Air Circulation: Beware of Drafts

Air circulation is another factor that can make you feel colder than you should. Drafts—those sudden cold gusts of air—can drop the apparent temperature of a room quickly, even if the thermostat is reading a comfortable 20°C.

• Leaky Windows and Doors: If your windows or doors aren’t sealed properly, the cold outside air can find its way in. These gaps often go unnoticed, but they can have a significant impact on your comfort.
• Ventilation Systems: If your ventilation system (such as a VMC, or mechanical ventilation) is outdated or improperly adjusted, it could be circulating cold air instead of fresh, warm air, which may leave you feeling uncomfortable.

There are easy fixes for this—weatherstripping around windows and doors or investing in draft stoppers can prevent unwanted airflow and make a huge difference in how warm you feel.

4. Physiology and Psychology: How Our Bodies and Minds Influence Our Perception of Cold

Finally, our own bodies and mental state can significantly influence how we perceive the temperature around us. This is why you might feel chilly even when the thermostat is reading a perfectly comfortable number.

• Fatigue and Stress: When you’re exhausted or stressed, your body’s ability to regulate its internal temperature diminishes. This makes you more susceptible to feeling cold.
• Age and Gender: As we get older, our metabolism slows down, and we tend to generate less body heat, which means we might feel colder than we did in our younger years. Additionally, research shows that women often feel colder than men, partly due to differences in hormones and metabolism.
• Mental State: Psychological factors play a role too. If you associate cold with discomfort or insecurity, your mind might amplify that sensation. A relaxed, positive mindset can often help you feel warmer, even in less-than-ideal conditions.

Simple Tips to Keep Cozy at Home

Now that we understand why we sometimes feel cold even when it’s 20°C inside, here are some practical tips to enhance your thermal comfort without turning up the heat:

• Invest in Thick Curtains: These help insulate windows, especially at night when outdoor temperatures drop.
• Add Rugs and Carpets: Not only do they look great, but they also provide an extra layer of insulation for your floors.
• Use Indirect Heat: Light candles or use soft lighting to add warmth to your space. Small sources of heat can change the ambiance and make the room feel warmer.
• Layer Your Clothing: Instead of cranking up the thermostat, try wearing layers. Wool, for instance, traps heat effectively, keeping you warm without needing to increase the temperature.
• Optimize Your Heating: Check your radiators and consider installing a programmable thermostat that adjusts based on room occupancy.

Understanding Thermal Comfort

In summary, feeling cold in a room that’s set to 20°C is often a result of several combined factors: poor insulation, humidity levels, drafts, and even your body’s physiological state. By addressing these issues, you can improve your home’s thermal comfort without having to overheat the house—saving energy, protecting the environment, and ensuring your own well-being. With a few small adjustments, you can turn your home into a cozy sanctuary, no matter the season.

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Felix Marlowe

Felix Marlowe manages Belles and Gals’ vibrant social media platforms. With expertise in social engagement and viral marketing, Felix creates content that sparks conversation and keeps followers coming back for more. From celebrity news to trending challenges, Felix makes sure our social media stays at the forefront of pop culture.