In general, the ideal room temperature and your home for both efficiency and comfort fall somewhere between 68° and 76°F.
Most people can agree that a healthy range will go from 20 – 24 degrees Celsius (68 – 76 degrees Fahrenheit). Depending on a number of other factors, you may prefer one temperature over another. For example, many people like to set their thermostat to something a little warmer during the winter.
Reduced Allergens and Mold: Cooler temperatures can help reduce the growth of mold and dust mites, which thrive in warmer, humid environments. Better Sleep: Many people sleep better in cooler conditions, as a lower body temperature can facilitate deeper sleep.
Quick answer: The ideal house temperature is room temperature, which ranges from 68 to 78 degrees F, though this may vary from season to season. In winter, the average room temperature is generally 62 to 68 degrees, whereas in the summer, the average temperature is 72 to 78 degrees.
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.
Best AC Temperature Settings While You Are Home
As you consider the most comfortable room temperature for your lifestyle and family, keep in mind that for each degree that you set your thermostat above 72 degrees, you can save up to 3% on your energy bill.
The World Health Organization recommends a thermostat setting no lower than 68 degrees while you're home. If you have children or seniors in your house, that number increases to at least 70 degrees. If your house is too cold, it can cause problems with blood pressure and circulation, as well as affect your heart rate.
“The consensus among most scientists is that anything higher than 75 or 80 is bad for sleep and potentially detrimental to health,” Baniassadi said. Heat affects sleep because the body signals the brain that it's time to fall asleep by lowering its core temperature. Sleeping in a hot room makes this difficult.
Everyone is different, and that's definitely true when it comes to ideal room temperature. That being said, the average room temperature in most homes falls somewhere between 68 and 76°F. (Interested in learning more about home automation and how it could benefit your family? You can learn more here.)
Rooms Are Cold Even With Heating On
It could be due to blocked vents, a failing HVAC fan, or issues with the furnace itself. Ensure that furniture or drapes are not blocking your vents. Also, check if your furnace's filter is clean, as a dirty filter can restrict airflow.
Keeping heating on low all day is unlikely to save money in the long run. There's always heat loss when heating a home, and extending the time your heating is switched on will increase the amount of heat loss you end up paying for.
The best room temperature for sleep is approximately 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18.3 degrees Celsius). This may vary by a few degrees from person to person, but most doctors recommend keeping the thermostat set between 65 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (15.6 to 20 degrees Celsius) for the most comfortable sleep.
Refrigerators should be set to maintain a temperature of 40 °F (4.4 °C) or below. For safety, it is important to verify the temperature of the refrigerator. An appliance thermometer can be kept in the refrigerator to monitor the temperature.
The World Health Organization recommends keeping indoor temperatures between 64 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for healthy people. The minimum temperature should be kept above 68 degrees Fahrenheit to protect the very young, the elderly, or people with health problems. Watch out for signs of hypothermia.
Your body heat peaks late afternoon and then starts to drop in the evening to prepare your body for sleep, kickstarting melatonin production. An ideal bedroom temperature is around 16-18°C (60-65°F).
78°F is generally considered a comfortable temperature for most people in a house, especially in warmer months.
According to experts, side sleeping offers the most health benefits. It's often the most comfortable way to sleep for many people, including pregnant women, and was the most popular position in multiple surveys. Sleeping on your side can also help reduce snoring, sleep apnea, and acid reflux episodes.
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.
Safe range means a set variation where there's minimal risk. If the room temperature is below 68 degrees Fahrenheit or above 74 degrees Fahrenheit, their health is at risk because the temperatures will be outside the safe range.
If you're cold even though your thermostat indicates you shouldn't be, your furnace likely isn't the problem. In most cases, it's working just fine. It's your home that needs attention. Lack of insulation, severe air leakage, and/or unbalanced ductwork are frequently to blame.