What Temperature Is TOO Cold For A Home? The Answer Might Surprise You!

Last updated on February 16th, 2023 at 06:11 am

As the average temperature outside drops, you may reach for the thermostat to crank up the heat. But have you ever stopped to wonder if your house is too cold? Sure, it may be chilly inside, but is it unhealthy? Exactly what temperature is too cold for a home?

Safety is always a concern when the elderly, disabled, or young children if you keep your house too cold. These groups have more difficulty regulating their body temperature and are more susceptible to hypothermia. If your home is too cold, it can put them at risk for health complications.

We will explore in this article ways to tell if your house is too cold and how to feel comfortable without jeopardizing health or damage to the home.

What is the Ideal Room Temperature for a Home? 

The ideal temperature for a home depends on several factors, including the time of year, the occupancy of the house, and the homeowner’s personal preferences. Most people feel comfortable when their homes are between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, if you have young children or elderly family members living in your home, it’s important to err on the side of caution. Both groups are more susceptible to health problems caused by cold temperatures, so it’s vital to ensure your home is never too cold. Second, remember that different home parts will be used for other activities. For example, you’ll want your bedroom to be slightly cooler than your living room so you can sleep comfortably at night. 

How Cold is Too Cold for The House? 

Now that we’ve answered the question “what is the ideal average room temperature for a home?” it’s time to tackle the following question: “how cold is too cold for a house?” Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer to this question. The World Health Organization recommends that the inside of your home reach no lower than 64 degrees Fahrenheit, but this is only a general guideline.

You’ll need your best judgment to decide how cold can my house be. If you have young children or elderly family members living in your home, err on the side of caution and keep your home slightly warmer.

You can look for warning signs indicating your home may be too cold. 

• Condensation
• Cracks in Sheetrock
• Body Chills
• Pale skin

Condensation on windows

If you’re starting to see condensation on your windows, that’s a sign that your house is too humid. When humidity levels get too high, it can lead to problems like mold and mildew growth.

Cracks in Drywall or Vinyl Flooring

Cracks or gaps in your walls, ceilings, or vinyl flooring are another sign that your house isn’t heated properly. Cracks and holes allow heat to escape from your home, so your furnace has to work harder (and use more energy) to maintain a comfortable temperature inside. 

Body Chills or Shivering

Excessive shivering could indicate fever, or possibly your home is too cold. If you’re constantly shivering, you even bundled up in warm clothes. Low temperatures can lead to serious health problems like hypothermia, so it’s essential to keep your home warm enough to avoid any risks.

Pale or Discolored Skin

If you start to notice that your skin looks pale or discolored, it could be a sign of poor blood circulation. When your body isn’t getting enough warmth, it will start to constrict your blood vessels to preserve heat. This can cause your skin to look pale and lead to health problems like frostbite.

If you notice any warning signs, it’s time to turn up the heat in your home. By keeping your house warm, you’ll be able to avoid any health.

Should you leave a house without heat in the winter?

In the winter, it’s essential to keep your house warm to avoid costly repairs if a cold snap suddenly moves into your area. It might be tempting to leave the house unheated to save on utility bills, but getting caught off guard will be costly. Additionally, if you plan on going for an extended period, your pipes may freeze and burst, causing significant damage to your home.

If you decide to cut power, take precautions like turning off the water at the main valve. Install cold water values to evacuate water lines to avoid pipes freezing—flush toilets to remove moisture and pour environmentally safe antifreeze into bowels. Don’t forget about your water heater tank. A home vacant without heat is possible but think about keeping your home at 50 degrees as an insurance policy. Taking these steps can help minimize the risk of damage to your property.

Conclusion: 

Only you can decide what temperature is too cold for your house. However, we recommend erring on the side of caution, especially if you have young children or elderly family members living in your home. And if you start seeing condensation on your windows or cracks in your walls/ceilings, those are warning signs that something isn’t quite right with your heating system.

Overall, when deciding what temperature is too cold for a home, the house minimum temperature should generally be 64 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees Celsius). If the temperature drops below this point, it may be time to start adjusting the thermostat and adding layers of clothing. Of course, this is just a general rule of thumb, and some families may be comfortable with the house minimum temperature being a few degrees lower or higher.

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