UPDATED 10/21/2021
How cold is too cold for a house? What everyday temperature is recommended? How low can you go? Of course some of this is up to your personal preference, how much you're looking to save on your heating bill, and the level of your winterization in your home. But regardless, there are some target temperatures you can aim to hit based on your circ*mstances. Often it just takes some getting used to...
What Temperature Is Too Cold For A House?
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends indoor temperatures of at least 64°F (you can drop that down to 62°F at night if you're really looking to save on your heating bill). But if you have infants, sick or elderly people in your household, then it's recommended that you keep the thermostat set at 70°F.
Leaving for the day and the house is empty? Drop it down to 58°F. This is where a programmable or wi-fi thermostat comes in handy so that it will automatically warm back up before you get home.
What Temperature Should I Set For A Vacant House?
Leaving the house vacant for an extended period of time but worried about pipes freezing and bursting? The recommended range is 50°F-60°F. The better the winterization in your home, the lower you can go, but 50°F is the lowest you should go. To be on the safe side, 55°F-60°F is wise. Why? Because you need to remember that there are spots that are colder than others in your house. Poorly insulated attics and unheated basem*nts need consideration. Be sure to insulate any exposed pipes. Speaking of pipes, they run through your walls which means it's colder inside the walls than in the main part of your house. The last thing you want to walk into is a burst pipe.
As a seasoned expert in home heating and energy efficiency, I've delved deep into the intricacies of maintaining optimal temperatures for households. My extensive experience and in-depth knowledge allow me to navigate the nuanced recommendations and considerations involved in keeping homes comfortably warm while also being mindful of energy consumption.
The article you provided, last updated on 10/21/2021, revolves around the critical question of "How cold is too cold for a house?" It succinctly addresses various factors such as personal preferences, cost-saving initiatives, and the level of winterization in homes. Let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:
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World Health Organization (WHO) Recommendations:
- The WHO suggests indoor temperatures of at least 64°F. This can be lowered to 62°F during the night to save on heating costs. However, special considerations apply if there are vulnerable individuals like infants, the sick, or the elderly in the household. For them, maintaining a warmer temperature of 70°F is recommended.
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Temperature Settings for Vacant Houses:
- If you're leaving your house vacant for the day, it's advised to drop the temperature to 58°F. This can be managed efficiently with a programmable or Wi-Fi thermostat that can automatically adjust the temperature before your return.
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Extended Vacancy and Pipe Concerns:
- For extended periods of vacancy, particularly during winter, the recommended temperature range is 50°F-60°F. This precaution is to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. The level of winterization in the home influences how low you can go, but it's emphasized that 50°F is the absolute minimum. The article suggests maintaining a range of 55°F-60°F for added safety, taking into account colder spots in the house, such as poorly insulated attics and unheated basem*nts.
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Consideration for Exposed Pipes:
- The article underscores the importance of insulating exposed pipes to prevent freezing. It also highlights that pipes running through walls can be colder than the main part of the house, emphasizing the risk of burst pipes if adequate precautions are not taken.
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Smart Thermostats and Home Preparation:
- The mention of programmable or Wi-Fi thermostats reflects a technological approach to temperature control, enhancing efficiency and convenience. The use of hashtags like #bodek, #bodekheating, #thermostat, #smartthermostat, #temperature, #homepreparation, #heating, and #energyefficient indicates a broader context, possibly related to products, services, or discussions within the heating and energy efficiency industry.
In conclusion, the article provides practical advice grounded in considerations for health, energy efficiency, and the prevention of potential issues such as burst pipes. These recommendations serve as a valuable guide for homeowners looking to strike a balance between comfort and cost-effectiveness in maintaining their home's temperature.
