Hot vs Cold: Which Is the Ideal Home Temperature?
Nothing divides homeowners quite like the topic of the ideal home temperature. Some say a cold house is better. Others maintain a warm home as the superior choice. But which one is the best bet? Should you settle for a cool room, or should you go for a cozy interior?
To end the debate, here is a roundup of everything you need to know about this topic. Know the pros and cons linked to high and low indoor temperatures, and decide for yourself which reigns supreme. Check them out below!
The Perks of a Hot Home
- Keeps your memory sharp
A warm environment helps boost your memory and alertness. In a 2002 study, scientists found that human performance is better when body temperature is high. Specifically, fourteen (14) healthy adults were made to sleep in darkness and wake up to very dim room light. Participants are then asked to perform neurobehavioral function tests two hours after their scheduled wake time. The researchers measure the adults’ body temperature every minute and found that neurobehavioral performance and alertness are better when body temperature levels are at their highest.
- Lowers your blood pressure
Another key benefit associated with high indoor temperatures is lower blood pressure. The connection lies in how our veins and arteries react to temperatures. During the cold season, your blood vessels tighten, making it harder for your blood to flow. As a result, your blood pressure is likely to surge. On the other hand, hot weather improves your blood flow. This results in decreased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
The Disadvantages of a Hot Home
- Can make you less productive
On the downside, extreme heat causes your body to work harder to beat the heat. This explains why you’re likely to feel more tired and sleepy when exposed to hot places. This is especially bad for remote workers who are currently staying at their homes. Even students are more likely to give in to procrastination if exposed to hot environments.
- May trigger headaches and migraines
Extreme heat also often triggers headaches and migraines. In a recent study, researchers noticed a considerable increase in emergency department visits for migraines during warm and humid days. Likewise, dehydration due to extreme heat is also linked to headaches.
The Perks of a Cold Home
- Better sleep quality
Cool environments are the best sleeping hubs. Since heat exposure increases wakefulness, cold rooms are optimal for sleeping. Moreover, various studies already suggested that better sleep quality is more possible in low temperatures, playing between 65-72 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Suitable for productivity
If you want to keep a good productive flow at home, you might want to keep your place cool and comfy. The reason lies in how extreme heat affects our cognitive performance and concentration. When we’re exposed to extreme heat, our bodies make use of glucose to cool down. The hotter the place, the more glucose the cooling process requires. This often leaves us with insufficient energy to perform well, whether physically or mentally.
The Disadvantages of a Cold Home
- Frequent colds
Unfortunately, low temperatures create the perfect breeding grounds for viruses. In a 2013 study, scientists found that human rhinoviruses (HRVs) can spread faster in low temperatures. This was followed by a 2016 research, reporting increased HRV infections in areas with cold temperatures and high humidity. This explains why you’re likely to experience frequent colds when exposed to cold environments.
- You’re likely to get allergies
Other than the seasonal flu, allergies are also likely to occur in cold rooms. The reason lies in how low temperatures lead to moisture build-up. As you might have learned, moisture makes mold grow, and mold can trigger allergic reactions. Other indoor triggers that are likely to thrive in cold houses include dust mites and animal dander.
Which Is the Ideal Choice?
Which one do you think is the ideal choice? Should you settle for a cool home or a cozy one? Depending on your priorities and lifestyle, a cool or warm house can give you the satisfaction you deserve.
Still, while there’s a lengthy list of benefits associated with hot and cold temperatures, remember to maintain a safe and tolerable environment. Too hot or too cold room temperatures offer more bad than good. Some experts recommend a home temperature that kicks around 68 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit.
To keep a safe and regulated indoor temperature, it’s best to invest in residential cooling and heating systems. Securing regular air conditioning checkups and furnace tune-up services are also important. This way, you can control how cold or how warm you want your indoor environment to be.
