Your Thermostat Says It’s Warm, So Why Do You Still Feel Cold at Home?

Many individuals in the United States catch themselves constantly checking the thermostat because the reading indicates a comfortable room temperature, yet the room feels cold to the touch and uncomfortable to get into.

The situation may be more common than one thinks, and it may not necessarily mean that your heating system is not working or your house is not well-heated. Instead, it may be the way homes are built to handle the heat, the way the human body feels the temperature, and the way the body may be affected by the small environmental changes in a way that may not be easily apparent.

As per general observations and reports about the comfort of homes in the lifestyle of the general public, as discussed in Homes and Gardens magazine, the comfort of homes today cannot be determined solely by the thermostat reading.

Why 68 to 70 degrees is considered ideal

Experts in the use of heating systems and studies done in homes point to the fact that keeping the home between 68 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit strikes the right balance. This helps in the prevention of problems such as the formation of condensation on windows. Condensation leads to moisture buildup, which may cause mold. This can affect the health of the lungs.

As Homes and Gardens points out, homes that lowered the thermostat to this range were more comfortable. This was especially true for homes with new insulation systems. The new standard has slightly changed from the older norms that advocated for lower temperatures.

How insulation changes the way heat feels

The homes of today are made in a way that they can trap heat within the walls much better than homes of previous years. This has helped in keeping the bills at a stable rate while reducing heat loss, but it has also led to issues with the even distribution of heat across different sections of the house.

According to a report by Homes and Gardens, there are some sections of the house where heat is being trapped well, but there is less airflow in some sections, leading to a difference in temperatures even if the thermostat is reading a stable environment.

This implies that it is not possible for the reading on the thermostat to show the comfort level in all sections of the house, especially if it is a large house.

Why humidity affects how warm you feel

Humidity has a significant effect on the way the human body feels the temperature, and it is usually not considered when people are trying to figure out why they feel cold in the house. When the humidity in the house is too low, as it usually is during winter in different parts of the United States, it makes the skin feel cold even if the air temperature is within the recommended limits.

Homes and Gardens states that it is possible to have a warm feeling in the house without increasing the temperature setting by keeping the humidity at the right levels.

This is achieved by increasing the humidity with a humidifier when it is too low, and controlling it when it is too high, so that the space does not feel too heavy.

Local cold spots can change the whole experience

Even with good heating in a room, there are areas that may be perceived to be cold. This is usually caused by drafts, lack of air circulation, and the distance from the source of heat. These cold spots have an impact on the overall feel of the room since the body responds to the environment and not the average temperature.

Experts quoted by Homes and Gardens magazine have noted that the use of portable heating devices like space heaters and pads is an effective way to warm areas where the cold is felt. This is important since it enables an individual to feel comfortable without adjusting the thermostat.

The role of radiators and heating balance

Heating systems, especially radiators, have to be adjusted in order for there to be a stable and comfortable environment. If the room is too warm at one time and too cold at another, it would be difficult for the human body to adjust, thus giving the feeling of cold even if it is within the acceptable limits.

Adjusting the radiator output, according to Homes and Gardens, can help in keeping the room at a stable temperature during the day and at night. This is especially important in the bedroom because it would greatly influence the quality of sleep.

Comfort does not always mean higher energy use

There is the general assumption that raising the thermostat will automatically translate into increased energy expenses; however, in modern homes, this is not necessarily the case.

The reason is that the improved insulation ensures that the heat is retained for longer periods; therefore, raising the thermostat slightly will not necessarily translate into increased energy expenses.

As discussed in Homes and Gardens, the efficiency ensures that it is possible to adjust the conditions in the house without worrying about the expenses involved in the process.

Understanding the real reason you feel cold

Feeling cold in your home despite the thermostat indicating a comfortable temperature may be the cumulative effect of several small factors. These may include the humidity levels in the house, the flow of air in the house, the insulation levels in the house, and the comfort levels of the individuals in the house.

By taking note of these small details and making the necessary adjustments, one can create a home that feels comfortable despite the thermostat.