Prolonged exposure to high indoor temperatures, especially when there is no night-time respite from heat, can result in a range of adverse health effects, especially for the most vulnerable population groups – such as babies and young children, and older people or people suffering from cardiovascular, respiratory or ...
If you experience heavy sweating with cool, clammy skin, along with symptoms such as fatigue, muscle cramps, headache, nausea, or fainting, you may be experiencing heat exhaustion which is a form of heat sickness that can lead to heat stroke.
In general, 80 degrees is too hot for a house if people are inside. However, if people aren't home during the day or for vacation during the summer, an indoor temperature of 80 degrees can save energy until you return and lower the temperature.
For short periods of time away, like going to work, we'd recommend a temperature of around 55 – 60 degrees (F). While away on long periods of time, such as vacation, we don't recommend setting the temperature any lower than 50 degrees (F).
The strain put on the body as it tries to cool itself also stresses the heart and kidneys. As a result, heat extremes can worsen health risks from chronic conditions (cardiovascular, mental, respiratory and diabetes related conditions) and cause acute kidney injury.
Sleep experts believe the best temperature for great sleep is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. But in addition to making you uncomfortable and interfering with healthy sleep patterns, being too hot at any time of day or night can cause health risks like dehydration and heat stroke.
More importantly, it's a good idea that you keep your room at a good temperature to avoid any health problems especially for the elderly. As mentioned on the above table, your living room should ideally be between 21°C – 23°C and your bedroom should be between 17°C – 19°C.
Home Damage Caused by High Heat
Roof: Rising temperatures in attics and top floors of the home can bring dampness and moisture, resulting in early deterioration of roof shingles. Flooring: High heat expands floorboards and causes them to warp. Hardwood flooring is especially susceptible to heat damage.
An influential limit. After an influential study in 2010, climate researchers often use a wet bulb temperature of 35 degrees C — roughly equivalent to 95 degrees F at 100% humidity — as an upper limit for human survival and adaptability without cooling.
During heat waves, experts, including utility companies, recommend keeping your thermostat no more than 20 degrees cooler than the outdoor temperature. For instance, if it's 100 degrees outside, aim to set your thermostat to at least 80 degrees.
As a deadly heat wave continues to ravage the U.S., new evidence suggests the human body may stop functioning optimally when outside temperatures climb to 104 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
Hot House Syndrome is a real problem caused by the UK's appalling housing stock and affects the poorest and the vulnerable the most. The same people who suffer from damp, mouldy homes in winter are stifled in summer when the sun comes out.
Prolonged exposure to high indoor temperatures, especially when there is no night-time respite from heat, can result in a range of adverse health effects, especially for the most vulnerable population groups – such as babies and young children, and older people or people suffering from cardiovascular, respiratory or ...
"The mucous membranes can dry out, crack a little, allowing viruses to seed and produce disease," said physician assistant Lou Melini. That is what can happen in a hot home. "To crank it up to 86 degrees, I think that's a bit excessive. It's drying and counterproductive," Melini said.
Spending time outside in very hot weather can increase a person's body temperature, as can being in a hot indoor environment for extended periods. Wearing too many layers in either situation can also lead to an increase in body temperature.
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.
Make your room comfortably cool
Of course, window and portable air conditioners are just as effective and come with a lower price tag. While the exact temperature varies from person to person, Ebben suggests keeping your room in the high 60s or low 70s during the night.
The conditions that can lead to a wet-bulb temperature of 95 °F vary greatly. With no wind and sunny skies, an area with 50% humidity will hit an unlivable wet-bulb temperature at around 109 °F, while in mostly dry air, temperatures would have to top 130 °F to reach that limit.
A room temperature of 18 – 22 ° C and a relative humidity of 40% – 60% is perceived by most people as pleasant and it is also ideal for the fabric of the building. Check the values in the living room and bedrooms regularly to reduce the risk of mould.
Heat can cause serious and potentially fatal health problems such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, trigger sudden events like heart attack or stroke, or worsen existing medical conditions like kidney or lung disease. Extreme heat can affect anybody.
Cool down by pouring water on your skin and fanning yourself; applying ice packs to your skin; soaking towels in ice water and applying them to your skin. Keep your skin cool and dry. Wear loose clothing. Limit time in the heat.