Finding the Perfect Temperature
Are you constantly too warm or too cold regardless of how you set your thermostat? Constant adjusting of the thermostat can be costly, and utilizing a programmable thermostat like the Nest can save you money. According to our heating and cooling industry experts at Point Bay, the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems is dependent on a number of things, including the temperature settings. Setting the temperature a little higher in the summer and lower in the winter can have a positive effect on your energy costs and keep your HVAC unit running smoothly.
Recommended Temperatures
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For warm New Jersey summer months it’s recommended to set the thermostat for your air conditioner between 75 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit (23 to 25 Celsius) and in colder months set the thermostat for your furnace between 68 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 21 Celsius). These are optimal settings for comfort while you are at home and awake; when you are not home or when you are sleeping, temperatures should be adjusted accordingly.
How the Temperature Affects Your Sleep
The air temperature of your bedroom affects your comfort while you’re sleeping, and directly impacts the longevity of your sleep. When you fall asleep your brain drops your body temperature in an attempt to achieve a set temperature that it knows is ideal for you to sleep well. Essentially your internal thermostat is set at a certain temperature, and if the air temperature in your bedroom is drastically different then your body will struggle to reach its ideal temperature. If your bedroom is uncomfortably hot or cold then your body is unable to achieve the comfort level it needs. This comfort level also affects the quality of your sleep in relation to the amount of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep you achieve. REM sleep is the point at which you achieve a dreaming state, and is vital for brain health.
Customize & Compromise
Setting a perfect temperature during the day and at night can be a challenge, especially when trying to take multiple people into consideration. Typically keeping a sleep temperature between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 22 degrees Celsius) is recommended, but with so many different body types and preferences, what works for one person might not work perfectly for another. The challenge is to find the perfect balance and to dress for sleeping accordingly in order to compromise. If your partner likes the temperature much cooler than you do, then you may find yourself wearing long pants and socks in order to maintain your perfect temperature.
HVAC Efficiency
Overall, it’s important to find the perfect balance between being energy efficient and finding comfortable temperatures for all times throughout the day. Dressing with layers in cooler months and lighter clothing in warmer months will allow you to adjust the thermostat accordingly to help with energy costs but you can cool your home with a few more quick tips from our HVAC pros. Invest in a home service plan from the HVAC specialists at Point Bay to ensure your air conditioning equipment is working at maximum efficiency all summer long.
Following these tips will help cool and heat your home naturally and extend your HVAC’s lifespan by putting less pressure on the system.