Comments on: 61 degrees

By: Erika Price

Erika Price — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:21:50 +0000

I think it makes sense that we view outside and inside temperatures on different terms. We engage in more active behaviors outside- walking, running, mowing the lawn, swimming in a pool, and a cooler temperature feels more acceptable while in motion. Inside, we spend a great deal of time sitting or laying. Of course we have different expectations for the two realms!

Plus, the bulky clothing that we readily wear outside simply does not work well in an idle setting. I can walk with a big jacket and a puffy scarf, but the limited range of motion becomes much more apparent if I try to write a paper in full winter garb, or cook dinner while wearing mittens.

However, I agree that many people take their preference to a wasteful extreme. I work in an office that regularly reaches temperatures of 75-80 degrees in the winter. I have to dress for cool weather to walk to work, but then have to strip down into something like summer attire. And in the summer, malls and movie theaters are chilled to absolute frigidness. Our attempts to over-regulate temperature waste tons of energy.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:10:04 +0000

We keep our thermostat between 64-68 in the winter.

I too have always thought it was curious how we had different standards for “warm” outside temperatures and “cold” inside temperatures.

I think it has to do with relative temperatures and expectations. I always notice how toasty 65 feels coming in out of 10 degrees.

I also notice that I am more lethargic and lazy when I feel cold (like a cold-blooded animal I suppose), it makes finding the motivation to get out bed much more difficult.

By: Niklaus Pfirsig

Niklaus Pfirsig — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 18:50:25 +0000

When I was a toddler, my great aunt lived next door and would often take care of me when my parents had to work. When the temperature outside went below 68 degrees, she would crank up the thermostat to 90 and complain about it being cold. In the spring, when the temp outside went above 75, she would run the airconditioner a full blast, chilling the place down to 60 and complain about the heat.
The comfortable temperature is largely determined by psychological factors. and if you are accustomed to a cooler temp it seems okay. I have noticed that I sleep better if the thermostat is turned down at night.