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Is it really necessary to overheat your home? Eco-friendly alternatives for winter

Faut-il vraiment surchauffer sa maison ? Alternatives écologiques pour l'hiver

Romane Benderradji - Communications Manager and Spokesperson at G-Heat |

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Key takeaway 💡

Overheating your home is neither economical, environmentally friendly, nor beneficial to your health. Maintaining a temperature of 19°C in living areas and 17°C in bedrooms is more than sufficient. Eco-friendly alternatives such as heat pumps or warm clothing can reduce your energy bill by up to 50% while maintaining optimal comfort.

Have you ever had this reflex? The urge to turn up the thermostat as soon as winter sets in, convinced that you need to turn your home into a sauna to survive until spring. Spoiler alert: not only is this unnecessary, but it also hurts your wallet, your health, and the planet. At G-Heat, we have a simple philosophy: why overheat when you can optimize?

In this article, we'll break down the ideal temperatures for your home, explore the eco-friendly alternatives that are all the rage in 2025, and give you our best tips for staying warm without breaking the bank. Ready to rethink your relationship with heating?

Why is overheating your home a (very) bad idea?

The risks to your health: when heat becomes your enemy

Think turning the heating up to 23°C will protect you? Big mistake! Too high a temperature dries out the air and your mucous membranes, making you more prone to infections. Not to mention that it disrupts your sleep and increases cardiovascular risks.

  • Dry air: guaranteed respiratory irritation and headaches
  • Sleep quality: impossible to sleep well above 19°C
  • Thermal shock: your body struggles between indoors and outdoors

The impact on your wallet: every degree really counts

ADEME clearly estimates that every additional degree increases your bill by 7%. Do you heat your home to 22°C instead of 19°C? Boom, that's a 21% increase in your energy consumption. For an average household, that's an extra €300 per year going up in smoke.

Lowering the temperature by one degree saves money without compromising on comfort. Technical clothing perfectly compensates for this difference.

— Gwenaël Fournet, Product Expert at G-Heat

The environmental consequences: your heating and the planet

Your heating accounts for 66% of your energy consumption. Overheating your home means emitting an extra ton of CO2 per year. Do you really want that impact on your conscience?

Must-read: why do my legs always feel cold?

And not heating at all: a false good idea?

Faced with rising costs, the temptation to not turn on the radiators at all can be strong. However, this is a mistake that can be costly for your home and your health. Not heating your home in winter exposes you to very real risks, beyond simple discomfort.

Humidity and condensation: your home on the front line

An unheated home becomes a playground for humidity. The indoor air, laden with water vapor from our mere presence (breathing, cooking, showering), will collide with cold walls. This is the phenomenon of condensation: water liquefies on the coldest surfaces, especially windows and poorly insulated walls.

  • Mold growth: dangerous for respiratory health and difficult to eliminate.
  • Degradation of materials: plaster peels off, paint blisters, and wooden structures can rot.
  • Increased feeling of cold: humid air is more difficult to heat and feels colder.

More than just discomfort: real health risks

Maintaining a minimum temperature is essential for your well-being. Constant cold inside your home can lead to several health problems.

  • Weakened immune system: your body is constantly fighting to maintain its temperature, making you more vulnerable to winter infections.
  • Worsening respiratory problems: cold, humid air irritates the bronchial tubes, particularly for people with asthma.
  • Cardiovascular risks: cold temperatures can increase blood pressure, which is a significant risk for frail individuals.

It is therefore not necessary to overheat, but it is crucial to maintain a minimum temperature to avoid these problems. The real challenge is to find the right balance for healthy and economical comfort.

Ideal temperatures room by room: the complete guide

Living room and kitchen: the optimal comfort zone at 19°C

In your living room, 19°C is more than enough for your thermal comfort. This temperature allows you to maintain a pleasant atmosphere without drying out the air. In the kitchen, the heat from the appliances naturally compensates.

Bedrooms: why 17°C promotes better sleep

Your bedrooms should stay cool at night. At 17°C, your body regulates its internal temperature better. You fall asleep faster and your sleep is more restful.

  • Melatonin: optimized production in a cool environment
  • Breathing: better oxygenation during the night

Bathroom: manage heat spikes intelligently

Your bathroom deserves special treatment. Raise the temperature to 22°C while in use, then lower it again. A fan heater or programmable towel dryer is perfect for this.

💡 Our expert advice: Program your bathroom heating 15 minutes before your shower. You'll save 40% energy compared to constant heating.

Rarely used spaces: adjust according to occupancy

Why heat empty rooms? Lower the temperature to 14°C in rarely used spaces. Close doors to limit heat loss. It's common sense that pays off big time.

Also worth discovering: why do I have cold feet?

Eco-friendly alternatives to traditional heating

Heat pumps: the all-round champion of efficiency

A heat pump produces 3 to 4 kWh for every 1 kWh consumed. It costs between €8,000 and €15,000 to install, but you'll save 60% on your energy bills. The return on investment? Seven years maximum.

Type of Heat Pump Installation Cost Annual Savings COP Efficiency
Air-to-air €8,000–12,000 40–50% 3–4
Air-to-water €10,000–15,000 50–60% 3.5–4.5
Geothermal €15,000–25,000 60–70% 4–5

 

Pellet stoves and biomass boilers: natural heat

Wood remains the cheapest energy source. A pellet stove costs between €3,000 and €6,000. You can cut your bill by two-thirds and enjoy several days of autonomy.

  • Efficiency: up to 95% for recent models
  • Fuel price: €300/ton of pellets
  • Maintenance: chimney sweeping required twice a year

Solar thermal heating: harnessing the sun's free energy

Thermal solar panels cover 40 to 60% of your hot water needs. Installation starts at €5,000. Combined with a backup system, they guarantee your independence.

Hybrid solutions and innovations 2025: green hydrogen arrives

Hydrogen boilers are coming to the French market. Zero emissions, exceptional efficiency. Hybrid solutions combine heat pumps and boilers to adapt to every moment of the day. Green hydrogen is revolutionizing domestic heating. By 2030, this technology will surely be accessible to the general public, with costs reduced by two-thirds.

How to optimize your heating without overheating: winning strategies

Insulation: your first profitable investment

Before changing your heating system, insulate! Walls account for 25% of heat loss, and roofs for 30%. Good insulation halves your energy consumption. Subsidies cover up to 90% of the cost of the work.

⚠️ The pitfall to avoid: neglecting humidity after insulation: A house that is too well insulated without ventilation accumulates humidity and promotes mold growth. Always install a dual-flow CMV to ensure healthy air renewal.

Smart management: connected thermostats and programming

A connected thermostat automatically adjusts to your habits. Programming by zone avoids unnecessary heating. You save 15 to 20% effortlessly.

  • Time slots: adapt to your lifestyle
  • Presence detection: automatic reduction when absent
  • Remote control: control from your smartphone

Everyday actions that make a big difference

Close your shutters and curtains at night to limit heat loss. Air out your home for 10 minutes a day to renew the air without cooling the walls. Place door draft stoppers to prevent drafts.

Thermoregulatory clothing: your mobile anti-cold solution

Why overheat when you can dress smartly? Heated clothing and cozy clothing allow you to lower the thermostat by 2-3°C. You stay warm while saving 21% on your bill.

✍️ The author's opinion: I tested the G-Heat plaid sweater prototype last winter. The result? I lowered my heating to 18°C without ever feeling cold. My bill melted away and my comfort level has never been better. An absolute game-changer!

Detailed comparison of eco-friendly solutions

Analysis of installation costs and return on investment

Each solution has its own price and profitability. Heat pumps require a significant initial investment but offer the best return. Wood remains affordable with a quick return on investment.

Energy performance: which consumes what?

Heat pumps dominate with their exceptional COP. Biomass boilers follow closely behind. Direct electricity remains the most energy-intensive despite its simplicity of use.

Usage constraints and adaptability depending on your home

Your home determines your options. In an apartment, forget about geothermal energy. Without a garden, there's no pellet storage. Assess your home before choosing your solution.

Carbon impact: the real emissions of each solution

Solar and hydrogen have zero emissions. Heat pumps reduce your footprint by a factor of four. Even wood remains carbon neutral thanks to the natural cycle.

How G-Heat transforms your relationship with the cold

Thermal textile expertise at the service of your daily life

Since 2017, we have been developing heated clothing technologies that revolutionize your comfort. Our 300,000 customers have already transformed their winter. No more dependence on heating, make way for personal thermal freedom.

Innovative technologies to naturally regulate your temperature

Our carbon filaments diffuse even heat exactly where you need it. The batteries last up to 6 hours. You retain total mobility even in freezing weather.

Personalized support to reduce your dependence on heating

We help you find THE solution that suits your lifestyle. Our team advises and guides you according to your specific needs. Together, we reduce your bills and your environmental impact.

  1. Personalized diagnosis: analysis of your actual thermal needs
  2. Tailor-made solutions: fleece leggings, heated gloves, jackets, heated underwear according to your activity
  3. Ongoing support: advice on use and optimization
  4. Satisfaction guarantee: 30 days to test in real conditions
  5. Continuous innovation: new technologies every year

Conclusion

Overheating your home? A habit of the past that it's time to give up. Between the recommended temperatures that protect your health and your budget, increasingly accessible eco-friendly alternatives, and innovative solutions such as thermoregulatory clothing, you have everything you need to enjoy a comfortable winter without turning up the thermostat.

At G-Heat, we are convinced that adapting your personal equipment is the key to gaining freedom from the cold. Ready to transform the way you heat your home?

FAQ

How much can I really save by lowering my heating by one degree?

Lowering your thermostat by one degree saves you 7% on your annual bill. For a house heated to 20°C, lowering the temperature to 19°C represents a saving of around €100 per year. Combine this with thermal clothing to maintain your comfort.

Can heated clothing really replace heating?

Heated clothing allows you to reduce your heating by 2-3°C without compromising on comfort. They do not completely replace heating but offer an effective complementary solution. You save up to 21% on your bill.

How much will it cost to install a heat pump in 2025?

Installing an air-to-water heat pump will cost between €10,000 and €15,000 in 2025. MaPrimeRénov' subsidies cover up to €5,000. The return on investment is achieved in a maximum of 7 years.

How do I know if my insulation is sufficient before changing my heating system?

A professional thermal diagnosis identifies the weak points in your insulation. Thermal cameras reveal thermal bridges. If your walls are cold to the touch in winter, the insulation is insufficient.

Do thermoregulatory textiles also work indoors?

Absolutely! G-Heat thermal underwear is designed for everyday indoor use. It maintains an optimal body temperature even in a room at 63-64°F. Perfect for working from home or cozy evenings in.

What financial assistance is available for switching to eco-friendly heating?

MaPrimeRénov' provides up to €11,000 in funding for a heat pump. The CEE adds €2,000 to €4,000. The eco-PTZ allows you to borrow up to €50,000 interest-free. Local subsidies are available depending on your region.

References

[1] “The right steps for more economical heating”, ADEME

[2] “What temperature should a home be heated to?”, Service-Public.fr

[3] “Health risks associated with cold weather”, Ministry of Health and Prevention

[4] “Unheated homes: what are the risks?”, Le Figaro

[4] “Heating: the ideal temperature for your home”, Qualitel