The Goldilocks Setting: Why ‘Just Right’ Is the Way to Keep Your Home
Cozy is one of those words that almost defines itself by the way it sounds.
Its history winds through 18th-century Scotland, with possible earlier roots in Germany or even Denmark, with all meanings implying ‘comfort’.
But ' cozy’ could also be the overall feeling when all our checkmarks for being safe and comfortable at home have been met. Here’s why it is so important that your home temperature is ‘just right’.
First and foremost, cozy means your body knows there’s nothing to worry about. The wrong temperature can be a health concern, especially if anyone in the household has a respiratory illness. Elderly people or babies are especially susceptible to an inclement environment, as their bodies are note quipped to regulate their body temperature. The same applies to anyone who is dealing with an illness. We spend 90% of our time indoors, so we must make it supportive. (And this applies to our pets as well. Some exotic animals, like birds or lizards, require an extra amount of heat. Cats and dogs are uncomfortable if it’s too warm.)
Speaking of us spending 90% of our time indoors; now consider how much of that time occurs while we’re unconscious. If you lower the temperature just a few degrees, you’re letting your body know it’s time to sleep and recharge. (Hey, tell your body that everything’s okay, and eventually your mind will get the message.)
With all that time spent inside the house, our presence and activities will be affecting it. Specifically, by all the moisture we generate. Cooking, laundry, and baking, along with bathing and showering create moisture, which is bound to stick to surfaces. The setting on your thermostat can exacerbate that.
Scoff if you will, but think back to Goldilocks’ ‘Just Right ’ Theorem. If the temperature inside your house is too cold, that is a recipe for dampness, which then invites mold. In turn, those two together can set off asthma and other respiratory ailments. If the home’s ventilation is not up to standard, that mold will be even more prevalent. Who invents an unwanted guest inside, especially one who could be toxic?
Conversely, you don’t want your house too hot, either. Overly warm conditions lead to humidity, and that translates into moisture that can impact your doors, windows, or even dry wall.
It may not fall under the textbook definition of ‘cozy’, but who doesn’t feel uncomfortable thinking they’re spending more money than is necessary? If you were running an erratic temperature, you would be at the doctor in a hurry… if it seems like your house isn’t ‘holding’ its temperature properly, it’s time to call in the professionals. How old is your HVAC? A newer, more energy-efficient unit could start paying for itself days after installation.
One other intriguing possibility is that your HVAC isn’t the proper size for your home. It’s not uncommon for a unit to be larger than what is called for, which only means larger energy bills. (Back to the ‘Just Right’ formula.)
A professional can also advise if the home’s insulation is still doing the job, or whether a smart thermostat might help provide more intelligent (and cost-saving) management. And even simple maintenance, like regularly scheduled cleanings and inspections can make sure you’re getting maximum coziness in your castle. Whether you need to warm things up or cool right down, call in the professionals at Adams Air Systems. They’ve got the experience to make your home feel Just Right.
