What is the Average
Room Temperature?

If you work in an office, chances are some of your coworkers (or maybe even you!) are constantly unhappy about the temperature, with some feeling it's too hot and others feeling it's too cold.

In fact, according to one survey of US workers, 56% of individuals think their building is too cold, 42% of people think it's too warm.

While you might not have much control over the thermostat at your office, the average room temperature of your home is completely up to you.

But what is the ideal room temperature for your house? Let's take a look at everything you need to know.

What Is Room Temperature?

When you hear the term "room temperature," it is referring to the range of air temperature that is most commonly comfortable to people when they are indoors. However, things like air circulation, humidity, and other factors can impact what temperature is most comfortable for people. On top of that, people differ physiologically and have different preferences.

Room temperature is defined differently in different places. It generally refers to a range somewhere between 68 and 74 degrees Fahrenheit.

What Is the Ideal Room Temperature For Your Home?

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.)

Men Vs Women Temperature Preferences

Did you know that men and women don't necessarily have the same temperature preferences? A number of studies have found that, on average, women tend to prefer rooms that are a bit warmer than men.

It is been found that women tend to prefer the room temperature at 77°, while men are more comfortable a bit cooler at 71°.

This isn't just a question of preference but it is also related to physiology. It is been found that women generally feel colder than men do at the same temperature. This is because of the difference in their metabolic rate.

Women have a lower metabolic rate than men, which means that they don't produce as much heat as men do.

Has the Average Room Temperature Changed Over Time?

In the last 40 years, central heating and cooling systems have become more common. On top of that, insulation standards have improved. This means that people are able to keep their homes and a more comfortable temperature at a lower cost now than they were able to in the past.

The Best Bedroom Temperature For Sleeping

It might seem strange, but you'll want the indoor temperature to be different at night while you're sleeping and during the day when you are home. In general, the ideal room temperature for sleep quality is cooler than the daytime temperature.

The reason for this is that our bodies lower their internal temperatures during sleep by a couple of degrees. This means that the room temperature should also drop.

How warm or cool your bedroom is can have a major impact on how well you sleep. Additionally, how well you sleep can directly affect how you perform the next day and your overall quality of life and well-being.

The optimal range for your normal room temperature during sleep is between 60 and 70°F. You might find that you prefer it cooler or warmer than this, but, in general, most people will find a temperature in this range most suitable.

What Is the Ideal Room Temperature in Winter and Summer?

In general, the ideal room temperature and your home for both efficiency and comfort fall somewhere between 68° and 76°F.

What should the average room temperature be in winter?

In the winter, you might choose to keep your thermostat set lower around 68° in order to save energy and dollars on your next heating bill. However, if this is a bit too cold for you, you might choose to raise your thermostat anywhere between 68° and 76°.

And for the summer?

In order to save on energy costs, you might choose to keep your thermostat at 76° in the summer. However, you similarly might choose to lower your thermostat for increased comfort if you find that is too hot for you and your family.

The Easiest Way to Keep Your Home at the Perfect Room Temperature at All Times

The easiest way to keep the ideal room temperature around the clock is by having a smart thermostat. This way, you can control both your comfort and the cost of heating and cooling your home from just about anywhere.

Smart thermostats make it easy to schedule the temperature of your home to suit your needs. This means that you can save energy during the day when you're not home, but have the house at a comfortable temperature by the time you're back from work.

Installing a smart thermostat is only the beginning when it comes to automating your home. Learn more here about the ADT apps for your mobile lifestyle, so you can remotely control your home automation and smart security devices.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Perfect Room Temperature

The perfect room temperature for you and your family will depend on a number of factors. Let's take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions about how to keep your room temperature at the ideal level for every family member.

What Is a Typical Thermostat Setting?

A typical thermostat setting is between 68° and 76°. Where you choose to set your thermostat might depend on the season as well as your own personal preferences.

What's the Ideal Room Temperature For Babies and Infants?

If you have a baby or a young child, it's important to know that they are particularly sensitive to variations in temperature. This means that it's imperative for the baby's room temperature to be ideal for their needs.

A baby can actually be more susceptible to SIDS if the room temperature is too hot. The room temperature that is generally accepted as ideal for babies is between 65° and 68°F.

What's the Ideal Room Temperature For the Elderly?

Elderly people are also sensitive to changes in house temperature. Even with minor temperature variations, it can make them much more susceptible to falling ill.

For this reason, a home where elderly people live should be kept somewhere between 68° and 74°F. This is generally true for anyone that is above the age of 65.

If the temperature falls below 65°, it can make elderly individuals have a higher risk of respiratory disease. If they experience prolonged exposure, they can even catch hypothermia. Keeping the temperature warm enough is particularly important for people that have heart disease or lung disease.

What's the Ideal Room Temperature For Pets?

If you leave your pets home during the day, you might be wondering what temperature they are most comfortable with.

The ideal temperature for your animals will depend on a number of factors, including their health, breed, size, and more.

Smaller pets tend to have a higher surface-area-to-volume ratio than larger pets. What this means is that they can lose their body heat more quickly than bigger animals. This is why little dogs seem to be more susceptible to getting cold.

The coat type of your animal will also factor into the answer to this question. If they have a long, thick coat, they will be more tolerant to the cold. They might even start getting hot before humans do.

Pets that have short and thin fur will prefer the temperature to be warmer than their long-haired friends.

You'll also want to consider weight when it comes to determining the best temperature. Heavier animals tend to be hardier in face of the cold than fit animals.

Lastly, both young baby animals and older animals like to have the temperature warmer. If your pet is ill, it might also be advised to keep the room they stay in on the warmer side.

Given all of this, if you are leaving your pets home alone during the summer, don't set the thermostat any higher than 80 or 82°. In the winter, you won't want to set the thermostat any lower than 60°.

Is It Time to Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat?

Keeping the average room temperature of your home exactly where you want it can help you feel more comfortable, be more productive, and improve your overall quality of life. When you have a smart programmable thermostat, you can be in control of the temperature of your home no matter where you are.

One of the amazing things about this technology is that you can adjust, schedule, automate, and monitor the temperature of your home from your computer or your smart device. It allows you to make sure that your pets are comfortable when you aren't home, and you can even receive alerts so that you know if the temperature is dropping too low so that you can make sure your pipes don't freeze.

Is it time for you to upgrade to a smart thermostat? If so, check out our ADT smart thermostat today!