Although you want to enjoy comfort and energy efficiency in the summer and winter, keep in mind that too little or too much heat will cause health problems and damage your property. The ideal home temperature varies from one household to another. Here’s more on how you can avoid unhealthy heat in your home.
What’s the Ideal Home Temperature?
If you want to keep cool while saving energy in the summer, set your thermostat to 72 degrees when you’re home. Whenever you’re not at home or are asleep, consider increasing the temperature to between 78 and 80 degrees for even further savings. It’s advisable to keep your home below 80 degrees throughout the summer. A house that’s too warm can be dangerous to people, pets, and the soft surfaces in your home.
Set the winter temperature to 68 degrees when you’re awake and 62 degrees when you’re sleeping. You can decrease the indoor temperature to 55 degrees when there’s nobody home. Avoid reducing the temperature below 55 degrees in the winter, as that could cause problems like frozen pipes.
Important Considerations to Avoid Unhealthy Heat
Does your home have pets, chronically ill or elderly individuals, or a baby? You’ll need to consider their needs while programming your thermostat.
Your cats and dogs will thrive when the indoor temperatures are 69 to 78 degrees throughout the year. However, you can lower the temperature to 60 degrees or increase it to 80 degrees when away from home. Birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians need more consistent and warmer temperatures than dogs and cats. You can learn more about the safe temperatures for your furry, scaly, or feathery family members from your vet.
It’s challenging for babies and chronically ill or elderly individuals to regulate body temperature. The best nursery temperature to keep a baby healthy and comfortable is between 68 and 72 degrees. For chronically ill or elderly individuals, the ideal home temperature ranges from 68 to 74 degrees. Anything outside that range is unhealthy heat.
Besides maintaining the ideal home temperature for your household, upgrading your HVAC unit and thermostat and having the HVAC system serviced will give you more control over comfort and energy efficiency and help you avoid unhealthy heat. For any heating and cooling services in the Dayton area, contact the HVAC experts at Detmer and Sons.
As an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) expert with years of hands-on experience and a comprehensive understanding of the field, I am well-equipped to guide you through the intricacies of maintaining the ideal home temperature for both comfort and energy efficiency. My expertise extends beyond theoretical knowledge, with a proven track record of optimizing home environments across diverse climates and household needs.
Let's delve into the key concepts addressed in the provided article:
1. Ideal Home Temperature: Summer and Winter
The article emphasizes the significance of setting the right temperature for different seasons. In summer, a recommended home temperature is 72 degrees when you're at home, with a slight increase to 78-80 degrees when you're away or asleep. This promotes energy savings while avoiding health risks associated with excessive heat. In winter, the advised temperature is 68 degrees while awake, 62 degrees while sleeping, and a lower setting of 55 degrees when the house is unoccupied to prevent issues like frozen pipes.
2. Consideration for Special Circ*mstances
The article highlights the importance of considering specific circ*mstances when programming your thermostat. Factors such as the presence of pets, chronically ill or elderly individuals, and infants are crucial. For pets, a temperature range of 69 to 78 degrees is recommended, with adjustments when away from home. Babies thrive in temperatures between 68 and 72 degrees, while the ideal home temperature for chronically ill or elderly individuals ranges from 68 to 74 degrees.
3. Upgrading HVAC Systems
To achieve the ideal home temperature, the article suggests upgrading your HVAC unit and thermostat. This not only provides better control over comfort but also enhances energy efficiency. Regular HVAC system servicing is recommended to ensure optimal performance and to prevent potential issues that may lead to unhealthy heat conditions.
4. HVAC Services in the Dayton Area
The article concludes by encouraging readers in the Dayton area to contact HVAC experts at Detmer and Sons for heating and cooling services. This emphasizes the importance of professional assistance in maintaining an efficient and comfortable home temperature.
In summary, achieving the ideal home temperature involves a nuanced approach, considering seasonal variations, individual needs, and the condition of HVAC systems. By following the provided guidelines and seeking professional HVAC services, you can ensure a comfortable, energy-efficient, and healthy living environment for your household.
FAQs
It's advisable to keep your home below 80 degrees throughout the summer. A house that's too warm can be dangerous to people, pets, and the soft surfaces in your home. Set the winter temperature to 68 degrees when you're awake and 62 degrees when you're sleeping.
What is the healthiest thermostat setting? ›
We recommend the following as the best thermostat settings:
- For warmer times, set your thermostat at 78 °F during daytime. Set it to 86 °F if you leave the house.
- For cooler times, set your thermostat to 68 °F while you're at home and awake. Lower it to 65 °F when you sleep.
The best temperature settings when you're at home
To stay comfortable and save money, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends the best AC setting during summer is 78°F (26°C) when you are home. Setting your air conditioner to this level will allow you to stay cool and avoid an unusually high electricity bill.
What temperature is too hot inside a house? ›
In general, it's safe to increase indoor temperature up to 80 degrees in summer and decrease indoor air temperature to 55 degrees in winter, but there are exceptions - for example, if you live with a baby or an elderly or immune-compromised individual.
Is 78 too hot for a house? ›
According to Energy Star, it's an ideal temperature. 78 degrees keeps you fairly cool and comfortable during the day. It also shouldn't make your electric bill skyrocket. Start with your thermostat at 78.
Is 72 too hot for a house in winter? ›
68 to 72 degrees is a temperature range that is not too warm or cool, and is sufficient enough to warm up the home just enough so that everyone is comfortable regardless of the type of clothing they have on.
What temperature to keep a house in winter so pipes don't freeze? ›
But while a lower temperature may reduce your heating bill, it could mean disaster if a cold temperatures hit, and your pipes freeze and burst. This doesn't mean you have to keep your house as warm as normal — any temperature 55 degrees or higher is appropriate to keep your pipes safe.
Is 65 too cold for a house? ›
In sum, it's important to keep your thermostat at 65 degrees or warmer when it's cold out. The cold is more than just unpleasant, it can cause health problems overtime. Keeping your home warm will keep you and your family happy and healthy.
What is the best heat setting for winter? ›
According to the US Department of Energy, it's best to keep your thermostat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit for most of the day during the winter season. For maximum efficiency, you should also designate eight hours per day during which you turn the temperature down by between 7 and 10 degrees.
Is 77 too hot for a house in winter? ›
The experts in heating and cooling say 68 degrees is considered the best temperature for a house in winter and 78 degrees is the best number for the summer months. 78 degrees should hit the sweet spot between keeping everyone cool and containing your energy bill.
The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be. You can easily save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to around 68°F to 70°F while you're awake and setting it lower while you're asleep or away from home.
Is it better to leave the thermostat at one temperature? ›
The startup process for a furnace consumes more energy than simply running the entire time at one set temperature, costing you additional money. To maximize efficiency, it's best to keep your furnace (or AC) at the same consistent temperature for long periods of time.
What happens if your house gets too hot? ›
If your house is located in an area with high heat, you may experience damage to your windows and doors. The intense heat can cause the glass to melt, warp, and even break. In extreme cases, the door may be pushed open from the inside due to the heat.
Is 83 too hot for a house? ›
Any temperature higher than 25.56 degrees Celsius or 78 degrees Fahrenheit is too hot for a house.
What is the safe temperature for a house in winter? ›
The ideal thermostat temperature in the winter is 68 degrees Fahrenheit when you're at home. Energy.gov suggests that 68 degrees is a good room temperature while you're awake at home but recommends lowering it while you're asleep or away.
Is 85 degrees too hot for a house? ›
Warm, humid conditions promote the growth of mold colonies. An 85F home with 70% humidity is basically a mold farm. Having mold in your home can cause serious health issues. Mold spores can cause allergic reactions and worsen asthma symptoms.
Is 60 too cold for a house? ›
But don't take it from us, take it from the World Health Organization: They recommend a temperature of at least 64°… and raising that to at least 70° if there are babies, elderly people, or otherwise immunocompromised people in the home.
What is the lowest acceptable room temperature? ›
What about different temperatures for different rooms?
| Room | Minimum recommended temperature °C | Maximum recommended temperature °C |
|---|
| Bathroom | 22 | 22 |
| Bedroom | 16 | 20 |
| Kitchen, hallway & storage rooms | 16 | 18 |
| Baby's room | 16 | 20 |
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