What is Considered Room Temperature? Find Out Here

Most of us know that our body temperature is 98.6°F (37°C), but not everyone knows what room temperature is healthy for our body. In simple words, average room temperature is the temperature where our body feels comfortable for a longer period of time - not too cold and not too hot.

In this article, we will discuss what is considered room temperature, including the normal range in both Celsius and Fahrenheit. Stick with us till the end to get accurate and up-to-date knowledge about what temperature is considered room temperature.

What Is Considered Room Temperature?

Room temperature is defined as the comfortable ambient air temperature range for humans. There are two main standards used to measure room temperature:

What is considered room temperature in Celsius?

Generally, between 20-22 degrees Celcius is considered the normal room temperature. At this temperature, you can sit in your room with indoor clothes without any inconvenience. The ideal temperature is 21 degrees Celcius, but scientifically, it is not easy to achieve an ideal temperature for a long period of time.

What is considered room temperature in Fahrenheit?

The definition of room temperature varies depending on the location. In general, it describes a temperature range of 68 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit.

It's true that everyone has varied preferences when it comes to the perfect room temperature. Nevertheless, most houses have an average room temperature of 68 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is Considered Room Temperature for Food?

Proper food storage calls for different target temperatures than human comfort levels. These cooler food storage temperatures help slow bacteria growth and spoilage. So, while 70°F feels nice for people indoors, your fridge and pantry need to be several degrees lower to keep edibles fresher for longer. Monitor your food storage areas with a thermometer and adjust as needed.

Perishable foods have increased safety and longevity when kept at the following room temps:

• Room temperature for dried goods: 50 to 70°F
• Room temperature for produce: 45 to 50°F
• Room temperature for meat/dairy: 38 to 40°F

What is Considered Room Temperature in Winter and Summer?

Ideal indoor temperatures fluctuate between the winter and summer seasons as outdoor conditions change. Here are some guidelines:

Winter Indoor Temperature Recommendations

The winter season calls for slightly cooler home temps, which helps conserve energy used for heating. Allow for a bigger drop at night when sleeping by lowering your thermostat. Boost it back up temporarily if outdoor temps become extremely frigid.

• Daytime: 68 to 70°F
• Nighttime: 58 to 65°F
• Extreme Cold Spells: 65 to 68°F

Summer Indoor Temperature Recommendations

Warmer conditions outdoors mean your target room temperature rises a bit in summer. But don't overdo it with extremely hot indoor temps, which can pose health risks. Keep the air nicer at night for sleeping. If a heat wave strikes, scale back the thermostat to stay near 70°F.
Tailoring your home's temperature this way during cold and hot spells helps maximize comfort and efficiency.

• Daytime: 75 to 78°F
• Nighttime: 72 to 75°F
• Extreme Heat Spells: 70 to 72°F

How to Maintain the Ideal Room Temp in Celsius or Fahrenheit

Here are some tips to help regulate indoor temperatures:

Use air conditioning units

Window units or central air conditioners are a common way to control summer heat. Set the target temperature a few degrees below your ideal room temperature to allow for warmup when the system cycles off. Clean air filters regularly for maximum efficiency.

Install smart thermostats

Smart thermostats like Nest allow tighter regulation of heating and cooling systems. You can adjust target temps from your phone for convenience. Automatic schedules help maintain cooler nights and warmer mornings without manual changes.

Open windows in summer

Allowing fresh air to flow from open windows can naturally cool rooms in summer. But close them by midday before outdoor heat peaks, and keep them shut on extremely hot days. Use fans to enhance the cooling effects of open windows.

Try supplemental heating systems in winter

Space heaters, electric blankets, and fireplaces can boost heating in cold winter. Close doors and windows to retain this extra heat. But always take safety precautions with these extra winter warming methods.

Regulating room temp is easier with this combination of mechanical systems, smart controls, and behavioral changes during extreme outdoor temperatures.

What Happens If Indoor Temperature is Too High or Too Low?

Indoor spaces that are excessively hot or cold can cause the following negative impacts:

Impacts of Overheated Indoor Spaces

• Heat rash and exhaustion
• Dry eyes, stuffy nose, allergies
• Increased cooling costs
• Food spoils quicker
• Fire hazard from overworked AC

Impacts of Overly Cold Indoor Spaces

• Hypothermia
• Dry skin, chapping
• Aggravated asthma and allergies
• Increased heating costs
• Pipes could freeze and burst

FAQs

Is 72 degrees room temperature?

Yes, 72°F falls within the ideal room temperature range of 65 to 75°F. It's a very comfortable ambient air temperature for most people.

Is room temperature 75?

75 degrees Fahrenheit is considered part of the "room temperature" range. However, most people find a comfortable room temperature to be between 68 and 72 degrees. So, 75 degrees might feel a bit warm to some.

Is 74 a good room temperature?

Yes, 74°F is towards the higher end, but it is still an appropriate room temperature for the majority of people. It could feel slightly warm for some folks. But it allows minor fluctuations while still keeping conditions pleasant.

What is the FDA definition of room temperature?

For pharmaceutical storage, the FDA follows guidelines from the USP. They define "controlled room temperature" as a temperature kept stable by a thermostat. This temperature ranges from 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F), which is the typical working environment.

Conclusion

Creating comfortable conditions indoors means maintaining average room temperatures between 65 and 75°F or 20 to 22°C. Precise ideal numbers vary a bit depending on individual preferences. Food storage requires cooler temps around 40°F to prevent spoilage. Ideal indoor thermostat setpoints range from 68-70°F in winter up to 75-78°F in summer.

What room temp do you find most comfortable at home? If you have any questions about "What Is Considered Room Temperature", please feel free to share us.