Temperature is a fickle thing. It can change without warning, and is affected by so many variables beyond our control. What we can control however, is our indoor temperature. This can be difficult if you don’t know what to look for, or if there is a fault in your HVAC system. Let’s talk about how to maintain a comfortable room temperature year-round and what the recommended indoor temperature actually is.
The more you’re there, the more you’re aware
Many of us have recently found ourselves working from home, and barely ever leaving due to current circumstances. This has led to a few things you may have already noticed that you would not have before.
The first is that the HVAC system is now working overtime, far more frequently than ever before. The second thing is that you may have noticed spikes, changes, or general discomfort with the air temperature in your home. The reasons for the first issue are fairly obvious, and are a part of what’s creating the second issue. The frequent overuse of our HVAC systems now that we are home more is causing faster malfunctions and more frequent faults. This can make maintaining a comfortable room temperature more difficult.
What the recommended indoor temperature actually is
The perfect room temperature actually differs between seasons. In cold winters, it is recommended that a minimum of 64°F is maintained. If there are vulnerable individuals in the house such as young children or an elderly person, 66-67°F may be more suitable. This temperature range is considered to be the safest and healthiest in winter. When it is hotter outside in the summer months however, the recommended indoor temperature is 78°F. This is for the sake of health, comfort, and energy efficiency.
If your HVAC system won’t maintain those temperatures consistently
It’s one thing to know what the comfortable room temperature range is, it’s another thing to maintain it. In theory, a perfect HVAC system should do this without a problem. However, if you have noticed fluctuations, frequent strange noises, bad smells, or a general failure to maintain comfort, here are some things you can look at that may be the cause.
Cleanliness of your HVAC system
The dirtier the filters in your system get, the more encumbered the system becomes and the less efficient it is. It has to work harder to perform the same job which uses more electricity, puts dust in your air, and fails to reach the temperature you set. A good cleanout of all the filters and vents is a solid move to ensuring your system works optimally.
Actual faults
If a clean system isn’t enough for it to perform as required, there may be an actual problem with your heating or cooling system. These problems can be various and complex and require a professional technician for inspection.
How to maintain a comfortable room temperature efficiently
Efficiency can become something of a requirement when you use your HVAC system more frequently. There are a few ways to maintain the recommended comfortable temperature efficiently without driving the utility bills to far up
Manage humidity
If you live in areas like the coast of LA, you’ll know the serious role humidity plays in making the air really uncomfortable. Consider investing in a dehumidifier to pull some of the moisture out of the air indoors. This will make the room far more comfortable and it will take some of the workload off your HVAC system, stemming the high bills to some degree.
Natural lighting makes a difference
Lighting really does make a difference if that light is the sun. On cold winter days, keep your curtains drawn and the light streaming in to help your system warm the house, in summer, consider keeping the curtains closed in areas you are not in or using. A darker room with less sunlight is far easier and more efficient to keep cool than a room with full sun from outside. The difference in work your AC does is very noticeable.
Do a home energy audit
Try to do an audit of your home’s energy consumption and take a look at where you may be wasting or could cut back. If you are not sure, have a company do it for you. This can save you thousands in the long run, and give you the freedom to use your HVAC system throughout the day without worrying about efficiency as much, or what the bill will look like.
As long as you keep a clean, well-functioning HVAC system, take advantage of natural helpers, and keep a solid hand on your energy consumption as a whole, you can maintain a comfortable room temperature efficiently and constantly throughout the year regardless of season!