What is the right indoor temperature?
Around 21,000 SATOhomes are equipped with a temperature and humidity sensor that collects data on indoor conditions. Artificial intelligence controls the building's heating system, and residents can monitor their home's temperature via the OmaSATO service. The target indoor temperature in all SATOhomes is approximately 20–22°C, a range that is both healthy and energy-efficient.
A well-regulated indoor temperature positively impacts residents' well-being while also saving money and reducing environmental impact. Due to the energy crisis, more attention is now being paid to apartment temperatures, as heating accounts for the majority of home energy consumption. Everyone experiences temperature differently—one family member may feel comfortable in just a t-shirt, while another wraps up in a thick cardigan and woollen socks.
However, the right indoor temperature is not just a matter of personal preference—it is based on research and recommendations.
According to housing health guidelines, the recommended indoor temperature is 21°C. Motiva, a Finnish organisation providing energy advice to consumers, recommends 20–21°C in living spaces and 18–20°C in bedrooms as a healthy and energy-efficient indoor temperature. In senior housing, the recommended temperature is slightly higher.
In practice, home temperatures can vary due to imbalances in radiator systems. It is not always possible to maintain the ideal temperature, and in some cases, it may exceed recommendations. However, radiator thermostats can be adjusted to lower the temperature when needed.
Why is a cooler temperature often better?
Excessive warmth can negatively affect well-being, as it tends to reduce alertness—something that may be particularly undesirable when working from home. During the heating season, indoor air becomes drier, which, according to the Finnish Lung Health Association, can increase irritation of the respiratory tract, mucous membranes, and skin. Motiva states that lowering the indoor temperature from 24°C to 21°C can reduce indoor air-related symptoms by up to one-third.
Even a small reduction in indoor temperature is a smart choice financially and environmentally. Lowering the temperature by just one degree reduces heating demand by approximately five percent, which in turn helps cut heating costs and reduce emissions from energy production.
A lower temperature also decreases harmful emissions from building materials.
However, room temperatures should not be set too low—below 18°C—to prevent moisture accumulation on surfaces.
What to do if your home feels cold?
If your apartment feels chilly, check the room temperature and ensure that ventilation is functioning properly through fresh air vents, without unwanted drafts from window frames. Also, make sure that the ventilation system is not too strong. However, ventilation vents should never be blocked, as this can lead to uncontrolled airflow, potentially drawing replacement air from inappropriate places, such as the letterbox.
Additionally, ensure that radiators have enough space around them to function properly. Move large pieces of furniture and thick curtains away from radiators and thermostats, and regularly dust the radiators using a duster or a damp cloth.
What if the radiator feels cold?
A cold radiator does not necessarily mean that the heating system is malfunctioning. The thermostat may limit the radiator's temperature if the room temperature is already sufficient, or the heating system may temporarily reduce radiator heating during peak hot water usage. If the target temperature is not being met despite these factors, contact maintenance for assistance.