What does 68°F feel like?
68 degrees Fahrenheit (20°C) is widely considered the ideal room temperature. At this temperature, most people feel comfortable without needing extra layers or feeling too warm. It's the benchmark temperature used by scientists, engineers, and heating professionals worldwide.
UK Thermostat Recommendations
The UK government and Energy Saving Trust recommend setting your thermostat to around 18-21°C (64-70°F) for living areas. At 20°C (68°F), you're right in the middle of this comfortable range. This temperature strikes a balance between comfort and energy efficiency.
Energy Bills and 68°F
Every degree above 20°C can add approximately 10% to your heating bills. Setting your thermostat to 68°F (20°C) is often recommended as the sweet spot for British homes. During the energy crisis, many UK households found that reducing their heating to this level helped manage costs without sacrificing comfort.
Scientific Standard Temperature
In scientific contexts, 20°C (68°F) is often used as "standard room temperature" for experiments and measurements. When you see product specifications or scientific data referenced "at room temperature," they typically mean around 20°C. This standardisation helps ensure consistent results across different locations and seasons.
UK Weather Context
For outdoor temperatures, 68°F (20°C) represents a pleasant late spring or early autumn day in the UK. The average July temperature in London is around 18°C (64°F), so 20°C would be considered a lovely warm day for most of Britain. It's the type of weather that brings people out to parks and beer gardens.
Health and Comfort
The World Health Organisation recommends a minimum indoor temperature of 18°C (64°F) for healthy adults and 21°C (70°F) for the elderly, young children, or those with health conditions. At 68°F (20°C), you're providing a healthy environment for most household members.