Winter Comfort Temperature: The Perfect Balance for Shops and Offices

Maintaining a suitable temperature in workspaces and commercial spaces is not just a matter of well-being: it also directly influences productivity, customer experience, and energy consumption. Now that winter is approaching, properly adjusting the climate control system becomes essential to guarantee both comfort and efficiency.

But, What is the ideal temperature? How can we maintain it without skyrocketing our energy bills? And, above all, What role does climate control play in our business performance?

What do we mean by comfort temperature?

According to the RITE (Regulations for Thermal Installations in Buildings), the recommended comfort temperature in winter for spaces such as shops and offices is between 20 and 22°C.

This range aims to maintain an environment where people feel comfortable without being cold, allowing them to work or shop without distractions caused by thermal discomfort.

But temperature isn't everything: relative humidity should be kept around 40-60%, and ventilation must ensure proper air renewal to prevent the accumulation of CO₂ and pollutants.

Why it's key in shops and businesses

In retail establishments, thermal comfort directly influences customer behavior:

• A comfortable customer stays longer in the store.

• And the longer they stay, the greater the likelihood of a purchase.

Conversely, a store that's too cold can cause customers to leave early.

 

And in offices… productivity at stake

Several studies confirm that unsuitable temperatures can reduce productivity by between 5% and 15%. Excessive cold causes muscle tension and distractions; heat causes drowsiness. Maintaining the right temperature and ventilation helps teams work with greater concentration and well-being.

How to Maintain the Ideal Temperature Without Increasing Consumption

This is where proper preventative maintenance and efficient management come into play:

Recommended	Action Benefit
Filter Check	Improves air quality and prevents unnecessary strain on the equipment
Airflow Check	Ensures uniform distribution without stratification (cold feet/hot head)
Setpoint and Schedule	Adjustment prevents unnecessary consumption outside of working hours
Controlled Ventilation	Provides air quality without losing heat or increasing costs

Furthermore, systems such as VRV/VRF or air source heat pumps allow you to modulate the climate control according to occupancy and zone, avoiding unnecessary consumption throughout the premises.

Conclusion

Comfortable temperature in winter is not just a matter of well-being: it is a strategic tool to improve the customer experience, boost productivity, and optimize energy efficiency in stores, offices, and corporate spaces. With well-adjusted and maintained climate control, your business operates more efficiently, your team performs better, and your energy bill decreases.