Why are we cold indoors even at 20°C?

In winter, it is best to stay indoors to protect yourself from the cold outside. However, some people feel cold even when the thermometer reads 20°C indoors. Various factors influence our perception of cold and thermal comfort, such as colors, clothing, quality of home insulation, etc. In this article, we will explore the main reasons why we sometimes feel cold even at relatively comfortable temperatures.

The role of colors in the perception of cold

Scientists have found that participants feel less cold when they are in a room with warm colors like red, while participants feel less warm when they are in a room with cooler colors like blue.. Indeed, colors can psychologically influence our perception of ambient temperature. This means that if we are in a room painted in cold colors, we feel colder.

• Warm colors generally convey a feeling of warmth.
• Cool colors can accentuate the cold feeling.
• The influence of colors on our perception of temperature is subjective and can vary from person to person.

Importance of clothing in our feeling of cold

The way we dress also affects our perception of cold. If we wear light clothes or clothes that are inappropriate for the weather conditions, we will feel cold even though the surrounding temperature is relatively comfortable. However, it should also be noted that everyone reacts differently to cold depending on their own sensitivity. Therefore, for some people, 20 degrees Celsius may be seen as a pleasant temperature, while others may shiver.

Tips for staying warm

• Wear several layers of clothing to better retain body heat.
• Don’t hesitate to use accessories like scarves, gloves and hats to protect your extremities.
• Choose insulating materials such as wool, cotton or polyester to benefit from the best thermal protection.

The influence of habitat on our perception of cold

Although colors and clothing play an important role in how we feel cold, they are not the only reason. Housing experts point out that Cold interior walls, high humidity levels and drafts make some people feel cold. In the event of air infiltration, heat loss is noted, which contributes to the constant feeling of cold. In addition, poor insulation of windows or doors can lead to cold drafts inside the house, leading to thermal discomfort for the occupants.

How to improve the thermal comfort of your home

• Check your home for airtightness and seal cracks, joints and poorly insulated areas.
• Invest in high-performance insulation solutions to reduce heat loss and reduce drafts.
• Use efficient heating systems to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature during the winter months.

In conclusion, our perception of cold indoors at 20 degrees Celsius can be influenced by various factors such as colors, clothing, quality of insulation in the home and many other factors. These elements must therefore be taken into account to guarantee maximum thermal comfort and to avoid feeling cold even when the thermometer indicates an apparently comfortable temperature.