Fall is here and it is time to recommend the ideal seasonal indoor temperature settings. Different than in the summer, fall is much cooler and dry. And yet, it isn’t as cold as in the winter so some do love this really comfortable period of the year. However, this change in weather might get people sick in terms of catching a cold, and might even cause thermal stress if we aren’t careful with our indoor temperature settings. So what are the implications and what are the recommended fall season indoor temperature settings? We will be covering them below.
Quick Disclaimer: All the information on this post is for your reference only. For professional advices do seek the nearest professionals near you.
Why do we need an ideal fall season indoor temperature? Studies have shown that thermal stress will make you uncomfortable and unproductive.
Thermal stress occurs when the body experiences too hot or too cold conditions and cannot adapt. It can cause psychological stress and also illness and/ or injuries. It is a health and safety issue and something that needs to be considered when setting up a working environment.
“According to CSA standards Z1004-12 – Work place Ergonomics – the comfort level at work is determined by temperature, humidity, wind and work-rest cycle. The optimal temperature range for office comfort should be 23 to 26 °C with 50% relative humidity in summers and 20 to 23.5°C at 50% relative humidity in winter” 1
The ideal fall season indoor temperature settings?
There is always this balance between comfort and energy bill saving. And it is actually always logical and goes hand in hand. When you set your temperature correctly, you feel comfortable and at the same time, you are using just the right amount of energy for such ideal setting.
During the day time, for indoors you should be setting a comfortable human body temperature of 20° to 22°C (69° to 72°F). As that gives, on average the best temperature for the average human body to operate comfortably. Then, during night time, as we will be putting on blankets, also considering our body temperature cycle (Circadian Rhythms), we need a lower temperature setting of about 17° to 19°C (63° to 66°F).
Finally, let’s look at other tips for the fall season.
Tips for comfort during the fall season
Here are some temperature setting tips for the fall season:
- Use programmable smart home and thermostats technologies like Google Nest, AI Smart Box and others.
- If you are not home during the day, it is ok to set the temperature to the lower bound range to save energy and bill.
- If you have plenty of sunlight at home, you may set the day time temperature to slightly lower so you utilize the sunlight.
- If you have pets, make sure you keep them safe and warm!
References
- Employment and Social Development Canada. (Oct 17, 2018). Thermal stress in the work place. Government of Canada. Retrieved Sep 26, 2022, from https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/health-safety/reports/thermal-stress-work-place.html
- Energyrates.ca. (Sep 26, 2022). What Temperature Should I Set My Thermostat in Winter?. Energyrates.ca. Retrieved Sep 26, 2022, from https://energyrates.ca/thermostat-winter-temperature-settings/
- Rryan. (Dec 24, 2020). What is a Reasonable Temperature for a House in Winter? Paradise Developments. Retrieved Sep 26, 2022, from https://paradisedevelopments.com/blog/communities/what-is-a-reasonable-temperature-for-a-house-in-winter/
- Direct Energy. (Sep 26, 2022). Your Average House Temperature. Direct Energy. Retrieved Sep 26, 2022, from https://www.directenergy.ca/learn/recommended-thermostat-settings-winter
- Assured Climate. (Sep 26, 2022). What Is the Ideal Temperature to Set Heat to in Winter to Save Money? Flynn Energy & Propane, Retrieved Sep 26, 2022, from https://www.flynn-energy.com/what-is-the-ideal-temperature-to-set-heat-to-in-winter-to-save-money/
Written by Louis Ng for Intelligence of Care, Sep 30, 2022