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Go Green Temperature Standards

Maintaining temperatures in our homes and businesses uses a lot of energy and increases carbon dioxide emissions in the environment. Changing the standard temperature indoors during the hot and cold seasons will help the environment and save you money too.

  1. Summer

    • Fans use less energy than air conditioners.

      Summer can be hot, but we have the ability to adjust to temperatures, beneath the usual setting on our air conditioner. The California Energy Commission recommends the temperature for indoor be set at 78 F (26 C). When a building is unoccupied the thermostat should be set to 85 F (29 C). Fans can make a person feel five degrees cooler than the actual temperature of a room so, they should be used whenever possible. Dress in cooling natural fabrics that allow air to flow around your skin.

    Winter

    • A wool sweater keeps the body warm.

      The California Energy Commission states that during winter the daytime activity indoor temperature should not be set above 68 F (20 C). When your family is asleep, the thermostat can be set around 55 F (13 C). Unoccupied buildings may have thermostats set lower than 55 F if pipes are insulated, to prevent freezing. Substitute small space heaters and blankets instead of turning up the temperature. Dress in multiple layers and natural fabrics to maintain body heat.

    In the News

    • Laws about temperature standards could lower emissions.

      Governments are beginning to making recommendations about energy consumption. The California energy crisis caused the California Energy Commission to publish recommended thermostat settings, and other guidelines for saving energy and reducing carbon emissions. In Japan, the government mandated that businesses could not set air conditioning units lower than 28 C (82 F). The Japanese government nicknamed the movement "Warm Biz," and discouraged business people from wearing heavy suits to the office in the summer. "Warm Biz" started a fashion trend towards practical professional clothing. It has also decreased carbon dioxide emissions by more than two million tons.

    Considerations

    • Solar panels are another way to go green.

      Individuals with health risks, affected by temperature, should not attempt extreme changes. Adjusting the thermostat is just one way to go green. Installing energy efficient light bulbs, solar panels or compost bins are other some examples of how we can join the green revolution.

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