The ideal home temperature remains a debate among many families. One family member may prefer a warmer house while another enjoys it a little cooler. What is the ideal temperature for your home? It actually depends on many factors.
Who Is Living in the Home:
The people living in the home will dictate the appropriate housing temperature. A newborn baby, for example, requires a cooler setting, ideally something between 68 and 72 F. While you do not want a household that is too cold, a temperature that is too warm can increase the risk of SIDS.
Additionally, toddlers and younger children usually get better sleep in a cooler room. Seniors in the home might encourage a warmer temperature setting, but setting it too high at night can prevent consistent sleep.
Where You Live:
The location of your home can also affect your temperature requirements. Households in the northern part of the country tend to have more unpredictable weather, meaning it is best to choose a moderate temperature. Otherwise, you might have to switch from the air conditioner to the heat in one day.
Southern states, however, tend to have warmer weather year-round. The air in the south also has a lot of humidity, which means the air conditioning needs to run regularly and HVAC inspections and preventative maintenance are more important than ever. Also, if you live in an especially hot climate, you might find it difficult to keep up with cooling if you wait too long to turn on the air conditioner.
The Time of Day:
Even the time of day can affect the ideal household temperature. Temperatures should be cooler at night to promote quality sleep. During the day when everyone is the most active, many homeowners will want something that is a little warmer.
If you and your family spend long hours away from the house each day, it might make sense to turn the thermostat down a few degrees. This can significantly cut household utility costs. With the technology that is available today, you can even adjust your thermostat to your ideal temperature remotely, ensuring you walk into a comfortable house. A programmable thermostat gives you maximum efficiency while also allowing you to begin dropping the temperature slowly into the evening hours, preparing you for sleep.
Location of the Thermostat:
The location of the thermostat can also dictate the temperature you use. Ideally, your thermostat should be on an interior wall, away from things like windows, the kitchen, and other heat sources. Some houses have a layout that makes it difficult to identify one ideal location.
If your thermostat is not in the best location or is far away from the frequently occupied parts of the house, you might find that your ideal setting is a little higher. It is important to remember that this will lead to higher utility bills.
There is no one perfect temperature setting. The ideal household temperature depends on the home’s residents, climate, time of day, and the location of the thermostat. Upgrading to a programmable thermostat can help you create the ideal environment, while also cutting your household bills.
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