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Quick answer:
Most Ontario homes are comfortable between 20-22°C in winter and 22-26°C in summer, while bedrooms are generally best kept between 16-19°C for sleeping. The ideal temperature depends on occupancy, humidity, insulation, and personal preference.
Everyone’s comfort levels vary. Some people are comfortable in hot and humid summers; others prefer a colder bedroom to sleep in. There is no universally perfect room temperature because comfort varies from person to person. Read this home temperature guide to know what the ideal room temperature is for comfortable living.
Ideal Temperature by Room
| Room / Use | Recommended Temperature | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Living room / main area | 20-22°C (68-72 °F) | Standard comfort zone for most Ontario adults |
| Kitchen | 18-20°C (64-68 °F) | Cooking activity and appliances add heat; a slightly cooler setting is comfortable |
| Bedroom (adults) | 16-19°C (61-66 °F) | Cooler promotes deeper sleep; see sleeping section below |
| Nursery / baby’s room | 18-21°C (65-70 °F) | Safe sleeping range; check back of neck, not front, to test warmth |
| Home office | 20-22°C (68-72 °F) | Alertness is better in slightly cooler environments |
| Basement | 18-20°C (64-68 °F) | Basements are naturally cooler; heating floor level helps |
| Bathroom | 22-24°C (72-75 °F) | Higher comfort when undressed; reduced when not in use |
Ideal Temperature by Season in Ontario
| Season | Recommended Indoor Temperature Canada | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | 20-22°C (68-72 °F) | Keep above 15 °C even when vacant to prevent pipe freezing |
| Spring / Fall (shoulder) | 18-21°C (64-70 °F) | Open windows when outdoor temperature matches indoor target |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | 22-26°C (72-79 °F) | Toronto by law: max 26 °C where landlord provides AC; Only applicable for rentals where landlord provides AC. |
| While sleeping (all seasons) | 16-19°C (61-66 °F) | Core body temperature drops at night; cooler promotes sleep |
| Away from home (all seasons) | 15-18°C (59-64 °F) | Setback saves energy; below 15 °C risks frozen pipes in winter |
According to Toronto’s indoor Temperature Standards by law, rentals with an AC unit cannot go over 26 °C from June 1 to September 30. During winter from September 15 to June 1, landlords need to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature of 21 °C or above. Book a home comfort assessment and make sure you stay comfortable in all seasons.
What Is the Ideal Home Temperature?
The majority of homeowners find an indoor temperature set between 20-22 °C (68-72 °F) pleasant; however, children, older adults, and pets often have different comfort requirements. That is why using a smart thermostat could be a great help in changing temperature preferences throughout the day.
Does Indoor Humidity Affect Room Temperature?
While indoor humidity does not change actual thermometer readings, it drastically alters how warm or cold a Canadian room feels. Dry winter air accelerates skin evaporation, making it feel chillier, whereas humid summer air traps body heat.
What Is the Ideal Temperature for Sleeping?
Body temperature naturally drops at night. The National Sleep Foundation suggests an optimal bedroom temperature of 18 °C (64.4 °F), with a range of 15.6-19.4 °C generally recommended. Many people sleep more comfortably at the lower end of this range.
Ideal Sleeping Temperature for Babies and Toddlers
18-21 °C (65-70 °F) for newborns and toddlers. Check the back of the neck rather than hands or feet to judge warmth, since babies can’t self-regulate their body temperature as efficiently as adults. Their bodies are developing, and their ability to regulate body temperature is limited. Overheating can increase health risks, while rooms that are too cold may disturb sleep.
The ideal way to see if the baby is comfortable with the temperature is to touch the neck, back, or stomach; avoid checking the feet and hands as they are naturally cooler. If the baby is feeling too warm, reduce the temperature slightly. For better comfort, ensure the baby’s clothing is light, and a single light blanket is more than enough for most Ontario homes in this temperature range.
Temperature Needs by Person
| Household member | Comfortable range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy adults | 20-22 °C (68-72 °F) | General baseline |
| Elderly adults (65+) | 21-23 °C (70-73 °F) | Metabolism slows with age; higher indoor temp often needed |
| Infants and toddlers | 18-21 °C (65-70 °F) | Cannot self-regulate; test with the back of the neck, not hands |
| People with asthma / respiratory conditions | 19-22 °C (66-72 °F) | Avoid extremes; humidity control (30-50% RH) is equally important |
| Pets (dogs and cats) | 18-24 °C (64-75 °F) | Most companion animals tolerate human comfort ranges well |
Other Factors That Affect Indoor Comfort
Age
Older adults usually feel cooler than young adults because their bodies generate less heat due to reduced metabolic rates. For adults over the age of 65, an appropriate indoor temperature should be 20-21 °C (68-70 °F). Younger adults are at less risk for hypothermia in comparison with older adults and seniors when they are exposed to lower temperatures beyond 16 °C (60.8 °F) for too long.
Outdoor Temperature
Ontario swings from -25 °C in winter to +35 °C in summer. A well-insulated, correctly sized home maintains a stable indoor temperature through those swings without extreme thermostat changes. A well-insulated house with the correct-sized heating and cooling systems should maintain a stable indoor temperature with only minor thermostat adjustments. When the temperature gets a little extreme and your home struggles to maintain a stable temperature, it is likely due to poor insulation, air leaks, or an undersized system, not just the thermostat settings.
Insulation and Air Sealing
A well-insulated, air-sealed home maintains its set point more easily and with less energy. Drafty windows, uninsulated attics, and poorly sealed crawlspaces force the heating system to compensate for constant heat loss. The thermostat temperature no longer accurately represents how the room feels. Addressing the envelope before upgrading equipment almost always delivers better value.
Indoor Humidity
Humidity affects how warm or cold a room feels. Humidity above 55-60% makes the room feel stickier and warmer, whereas low humidity in the range of 25-30% makes it feel cooler but causes static shocks and dry skin. For the majority Ontario homes aim for 30-50% relative humidity year-round in most Ontario homes. Aim for 30-50% RH year-round, although levels may occasionally approach 50-55% during humid summer weather depending on outdoor conditions.
Health Conditions
Medical conditions can affect how people perceive indoor temperature. For instance, people who have multiple sclerosis experience exacerbations in heat. A slight change in the environment moving towards the cooler side of the thermostat, may impact the comfort and functioning of a person. People who have respiratory issues such as asthma tend to do best with moderate temperatures. But if you experience significant temperature sensitivity, consult your healthcare provider.
How to Keep Your Home Comfortable in Summer
- Set your AC between 22- 24 °C (72- 75 °F): This range balances comfort and energy cost. Each degree below 22 °C increases your cooling costs by approximately 3-5%.
- Use ceiling fans: Set to counterclockwise rotation in summer to create a wind-chill effect. This allows you to raise the thermostat by 1-2 °C while maintaining comfort.
- Pre-cool during off-peak hours: Ontario’s time-of-use electricity rates charge less during off-peak hours (weekdays before 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m., and all weekend). Pre-cool the house during these windows and allow the home’s thermal mass to slow indoor temperature increases.
- Block afternoon sun: South and west-facing windows in Ontario homes receive direct afternoon sun. Closing blinds between 1-5 p.m. can reduce solar heat gain significantly.
Ottawa AC installation from LG Home Comfort includes smart thermostat programming for time-of-use rate optimization.
How to Keep Your Home Comfortable in Winter
- Use a programmable or smart thermostat: Program a setback to 15- 17 °C (59- 63 °F) during sleeping hours and when the home is vacant. Most Ontario homeowners could save up to 10-15% on heating costs through thermostat setbacks alone. See our guide on the benefits of central heating systems.
- Seal windows and doors: Weatherstripping and caulk prevent cold infiltration that forces the furnace to compensate
- Add insulation: Attic insulation is the highest-return insulation investment in most Ontario homes. Heat rises and escapes through under-insulated attics faster than any other building envelope element
- Use thermal curtains: Heavy curtains or cellular blinds on north- and west-facing windows reduce heat loss on cold January nights
- Avoid closing too many vents: Most people shut off the cooling vents, thinking it will save electricity. The reality is that it does not. Rather, it is immense pressure on the duct, resulting in extra stress on the furnace. It can reduce furnace efficiency and place additional strain on the system.
Hamilton furnace installation and home assessment from LG Home Comfort includes an evaluation of whether your HVAC system is properly sized for your home’s actual heat load.
Frequently Asked Questions
01 What is the best thermostat setting to save energy in Ontario?
02 Does indoor humidity affect how warm or cool my home feels?
03 Why should I lower my thermostat while sleeping?
04 Why does my home still feel uncomfortable even when the thermostat is set correctly?
05 What indoor temperature is recommended for older adults?
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