As we are soon approaching the winter months, it’s time to make some changes in the house, particularly on the household temperature. We get it, the winter months can be a time of beauty and serenity, and nothing is more beautiful than looking out the windows and seeing snow falling outside. However, the winter months can make the living space too cold, which can pose severe health hazards for you. As such, in order to ensure the right home temperature and to be safe, secure, and comfortable during the winter months, simply follow these few steps mentioned below.
Importance of Staying Warm
Before we state the ideal home temperature and how to achieve so, we will talk about the reasons loved ones should remain warm. According to the National Institute on Aging, older adults lose body heat way faster than younger people. This means they have a harder time knowing when they’re getting too cold. When the time comes for their bodies to shiver or suffer from other effects of hypothermia, it may be too late. This problem is exacerbated for those who live with chronic health conditions like diabetes and heart disease or are currently taking medications that can lead to dehydration. While the idea of saving money and energy that comes with setting the home at a lower temperature seems enticing, nothing should be more important than being safe and healthy.
Ideal Home Temperature
It is recommended by health experts that home temperature during the winter months should be around 68 to 70 Fahrenheit, while some electrical companies have even suggested setting the thermostat up to 74 Fahrenheit. Across the board, a temperature of 68 Fahrenheit and warmer is generally accepted as the ‘Goldilocks’ temperature – neither too cold nor too hot. However, it’s important to check in with your loved ones and see how they’re doing, as everyone has different reactions.
In addition to creating a more comfortable home temperature, you can also help make the air much cleaner by installing a humidifier, placing indoor plants and flowers, and ensuring that any air vents and furnace filters are not blocked with dust, allergens, and debris. By doing these steps, everyone can breathe better.
Ways to Keep You Warm
While the thermostat is the straightforward way to set a comfortable home temperature, there are other ways you can implement to create an environment where everybody is warm and snug, listed below.
- Staying Active
If you lead a sedentary lifestyle, you will find yourself getting cold easily. As such, a simple solution to the problem is to be more active and move around more often. This boosts blood flow and circulation, which keeps the body warm. If you aren’t as mobile, light exercises such as chair yoga and tai chi are good fitness routines.
- Eat Healthily
Maintaining good nutrition should be adhered to all the time, but especially so during the winter months. If you aren’t eating healthily and following a balanced diet, you might have less fat in your body, leading you to feel cold quickly. You should be more mindful of your intake of alcohol as well.
