Temperature Wars: Finding the Perfect Temperature for Everybody
From family members at home to co-workers in the office, it’s difficult for everyone to agree on the ideal thermostat setting, causing temperature wars that can result in constant thermostat adjustments as well as rising temperatures—and frustrations.
There are a variety of factors that play into a person’s temperature preferences. For instance, gender can play a big role in the choices you make with your thermostat. Studies suggest that women generally prefer a far warmer environment—roughly 77 degrees—while men lean toward a cooler temperature—usually around 72 degrees. This may be due to the fact that a woman’s body produces less heat than a man’s body because on average, they are smaller and tend to have less muscle and more fat. Because muscle produces more heat than fat, women typically feel colder.
For some, it’s more about cost than comfort when it comes to temperature preference. In an effort to keep energy bills down, many people will deal with slight discomfort, rather than run the risk of a large utility bill. But, there are ways to be comfortable and save money, such as beefing up your insulation and performing routine maintenance on your heat and air conditioning system.
Because there’s no magic formula to ensuring your house is at the perfect temperature for everyone, it’s best to stick to an ideal range that will keep most people happy and costs to a minimum. When you are at home during warm north Florida summers, it is generally recommended that you set the thermostat within a degree or two of a steady 78 degrees. However, when you are out of the house you can raise the temperature a few degrees to save on energy costs. During cooler months, you can save energy and keep your costs down by setting your thermostat at 68 degrees because your heat pump will keep you comfortably warm at this temperature when you are awake and active in your home.
If you are still unable to agree and are sick of the daily battles, there are a few things you can do to help find middle ground with everybody in your home.
1. Use a Space Heater
Today, space heaters are generally safe and relatively efficient. When you follow manufacturer instructions, they can be the perfect solution for warming a single room in your home.
2. Install a Programmable Thermostat
These thermostats can store and repeat multiple daily settings—some have the capacity to hold half a dozen or more, and if need be, you can manually override the settings. If your family is at home during different times of the day, and you prefer the thermostat at different temperatures, a programmable thermostat can lock them in so you won’t have to remember to adjust it.
3. Try Zone Heating
Using smart thermostats and smart vents will allow you to customize your home so different rooms are automatically heated or cooled to the preferences of the people who inhabit them.
4. Utilize Natural Heat
If money is at the heart of your argument, then this one’s a no-brainer. Keeping your curtains open during the day to allow the natural heat from the sun to warm up a room is a great alternative to hiking up the thermostat.
For more information on zone heating and programmable thermostats, or to schedule a seasonal system tune-up, contact Barineau Heating & Air Conditioning or give us a call at (850) 580-4029.
