Room Temperature: Whose, Yours or Mine?

I just heard the furnace kick on. Hmm, what’s with that? I know it’s a little cool outside, but it is also only the 9^th of September, far too early in the season yet for furnace heat, wouldn’t you say? A quick check of my thermostat showed it sitting at its lowest possible setting, 14 Celsius (58 Fahrenheit). Clearly then, for the furnace to come on, the actual temperature of our humble home must have dropped below that mark. OK, maybe it’s a tad cool in the house. Perhaps that explains why folks often leave their jackets on when they come for a visit. LOL.

This got me thinking about the term, “Room Temperature.” What is room temperature?

Room temperature is basically the temperature in which most people are most comfortable. It is a temperature which is neither too hot nor too cold and which, according to Wikipedia, is an average of 23 degrees Celsius (73 degrees Fahrenheit). That means that the room temperature in our home is 9 degrees Celsius (15 degrees Fahrenheit) below what we’re told the average is. That’s pretty significant.

Obviously we all have different internal thermostats, and as such the very term “room temperature” really is quite subjective. It was only a few weeks ago that I checked into a hotel room and almost passed out! Why? The room’s thermostat was set at the average room temperature of 23 degrees. While for most it may have been comfortable; for me it seemed to be sucking the life right out of me. Fortunately, by resetting the thermostat and opening the windows, I could correct that excessive temperature flaw in a short time, make it a little more bearable, and bring my hotel room a little closer to my idea of "room temperature."

As much as I enjoy summer, and live for those lazy summer days outdoors, the advantage for me of this time of year is that it is easier to get comfortable. One can always add another layer of clothing if needed, but there are only so many layers that one can take off and not get arrested for indecent exposure. Room temperature: whose, yours or mine?

Hmm, I guess it is a little cool in here. Excuse me as I go get a sweater and my slippers.

Photo Credit: Flickr Creative Commons