With the holiday season here, most people find themselves, their home, and their time filled with gatherings with friends and family. From festive holiday parties to New Year’s celebrations, creating the right ambiance for these special occasions is crucial to ensure everyone feels comfortable and in high spirits. Among the many factors that contribute to a warm and inviting setting, one key element stands out, the ideal temperature of your home. We are going to review how you can find the perfect temperature for your holiday gatherings and share some tips to ensure your celebrations are memorable, comfortable, and enjoyable for all.

What Temperature do Most People Prefer for Their Home and Why?

Individual preferences for room temperature can vary widely, but studies have shown that the average person tends to feel most comfortable when the indoor temperature falls between 65°F to 72°F. At this temperature range, most people are less likely to feel too hot or too cold, facilitating optimal relaxation and social interactions during holiday gatherings. The World Health Organization recommends keeping indoor temperatures between 64°F and 75°F for healthy people. The minimum temperature should be kept above 68°F to protect the very young, the elderly, or people with health problems.

As we said, the ideal temperature for a home can vary greatly depending on who is in it. Several factors can influence an individual's temperature preferences, and they may vary from person to person. Some of the key factors include:

• Seasonal Changes: During colder months, people may prefer slightly warmer indoor temperatures to combat the chill, while in warmer months, a slightly cooler environment may be preferred.
• Clothing: The attire guests choose to wear at holiday gatherings can impact their comfort levels. Encourage attendees to dress appropriately for the expected indoor temperature. More people being in the space can cause your home to be warmer than it usually is, so plan accordingly.
• Age and Health: As referenced above, elderly individuals and young children are more susceptible to temperature fluctuations, so it's essential to consider their comfort during gatherings.
• Humidity: The level of humidity in the air can affect how people perceive temperature. Proper humidity control can significantly enhance comfort.

Setting the Ideal Temperature for Holiday Gatherings

When it comes to the recommended ideal temperature for your home, we have reviewed it before; however, with all the fun of the holiday season, in case you need a reminder, we have got you covered. According to the US Department of Energy, “You can easily save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to around 68°F to 70°F while you're awake and setting it lower while you're asleep or away from home.” If money isn’t a factor, than try to keep your home’s temperature within the range suggested above by The World Health Organization.

Now that we have reviewed the recommended ideal temperature for savings and comfort and the factors influencing temperature preferences, let's explore some tips for setting the ideal temperature during holiday gatherings:

• Use Zone Heating: If your home has different rooms with varying heating capacities, consider using zone heating to optimize comfort levels throughout the gathering.
• Utilize Ceiling Fans: In homes where heating tends to accumulate near the ceiling, gently circulating the air with ceiling fans can help distribute warmth more evenly.
• Provide Blankets and Throws: Offer cozy blankets and throws for guests who tend to always be colder than others or those who may get chilly during extended conversations.
• Monitor and Adjust: Keep an eye on the temperature throughout the gathering and be prepared to make adjustments if needed based on guest feedback and comfort levels.

Keep in mind, as we mentioned above, having more people in your home can make your home warmer than normal, so be prepared to turn the heat down a bit and even open a window if needed. If you are going to have cooking devices running or a fire going, you may consider knocking the temperature down a bit before your guests arrive, to account for the extra heat being produced.

The ideal temperature for holiday gatherings is a delicate balance that can significantly impact the overall enjoyment of the event. By understanding the recommended indoor temperature suggestions and considering individual preferences, you can create a warm and inviting atmosphere that helps facilitate cherished memories during the festive season.

When it comes to your home’s comfort, Bragg Cooling, Heating & Plumbing is here for all of your Marin, Sonoma, and Napa County needs. We are heating experts and offer a wide range of heating services. Contact us today to ensure a holiday season filled with warmth, joy, and unforgettable moments with loved ones.

January 19, 2023

Each season brings different temperatures and humidity levels for homeowners in Marin, Sonoma, and Napa counties. When it comes to being comfortable in your home and keeping your family healthy, humidity can play a major roll. Do you know what your home’s humidity level is? The average American is indoors 90% of the time, making keeping indoor air at optimal moisture levels very important. What is the ideal humidity level for your home and why does it really matter?

How Marin, Sonoma, and Napa County Humidity Changes Throughout the Year

Like the colors change with each season, so do the humidity levels. In the North Bay Area, winter doesn’t impact the humidity levels as much as it does in other parts of the country; however, with colder weather, can come drier air, and that can have an impact on you, your home, and your family.

The least humid months we have in our area are early fall, and the most humid months, are late winter and early spring (that is much different than other places in the country). In the spring not only comes flowers blooming, but also comes more moisture in the air, which can affect your home. The average humidity in the North Bay area is around 75% with the most humid month being in March.

What is the Ideal Humidity Level for Your Home?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that you keep the humidity in your home between 30 and 50%. You need to reduce the humidity in your home if it is above 50%, but especially if it gets to 60% or higher.

We have reviewed before how dry air can affect your home and family, and the same is true with air that is too damp. High humidity can lead to HVAC issues, mold and mildew, and damage to your home and belongings. Mold, mildew, bacteria, viruses, and more, thrive and grow when humidity levels are in excess of the recommended levels mentioned above. Not to mention, when the air in your home is too damp, it can be uncomfortable.

How Can High Humidity Affect Your Home and Family?

Now that we have reviewed what the ideal humidity level is for your home and how it changes throughout the year, as we look towards some of the most humid months we will face, it’s important to understand that high humidity doesn’t just make things uncomfortable, it can have negative effects on your home as well.

Below we review some of the reasons you will want to keep your home’s humidity within the ideal levels.

• Your Family’s Health: Mold can cause significant health problems for you and your family. Molds produce allergens and irritants that can create allergic reactions, cause asthma attacks, and lead to other ongoing health issues. With moisture and humidity comes mold, in fact, mold and mildew thrive in damp conditions.
• HVAC System Issues: High humidity can cause long term damage to your HVAC system, and make your unit need to run longer to get to ideal temperatures and humidity levels. The constant usage of your air conditioner can cause it to deteriorate more quickly than it should and can also cause the air filter and other parts of your air conditioning to become blocked with condensation, causing a potential freeze up.
• Rotting and Other Damage to Furniture and Belongings: Anyone who has ever experienced humidity knows that the excessive moisture can lead to things becoming soggy and fragile. When your home is not within the ideal humidity levels, rotting, peeling, and other damage can happen to your walls, hardwood floors, furniture, windows, and all other belongings.

 

How to Keep Your Home Within the Ideal Humidity Level

When it comes to adding moisture to your home you can do that with humidifiers, plants, and other methods. Reducing humidity in your home can be solved by adding a dehumidifier, using vents and exhaust fans, having an HVAC system that is maintained with a clean air filter, and resolving any areas throughout your home where moisture may be entering through.

When it comes to your Marin, Sonoma, or Napa County home’s comfort, Bragg Cooling, Heating & Plumbing can help. We know that you rely heavily on your HVAC system for year-round comfort. Our experts are here to help with your indoor comfort needs and make sure you enjoy peace of mind no matter the season.

Whether you are looking to replace your AC, fix a broken furnace, or tune up your comfort systems, you can count on our experts for quality solutions that will help you enjoy improved indoor comfort and greater energy efficiency. Contact us today.