# Interior temperature preferences - USA versus UK/Europe **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 27, 2016, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interior-temperature-preferences-usa-versus-uk-europe/758530 "2016-06-27T15:57:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Balance](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ccd318/32.png) [@Balance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balance)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2016, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interior-temperature-preferences-usa-versus-uk-europe/758530/21 "2016-06-29T23:22:12Z")
It’s possible to adjust your comfort range somewhat. For most of my life, I’ve preferred 69-70F. However, searing Texas summers led me to experiment, for the sake of more responsible energy use and in hopes of improving my ability to cope with the heat outdoors. In the spring, I delay starting the AC as long as I can stand it, and set it a little higher than my preferred temperature, then edge it up gradually as the outside temps rise. (In winter, I do the opposite.) The result is that I can be comfortable at 78-79F during the summer, and I am significantly less bothered by the heat when I’m outside. (Though no amount of adjustment can fully compensate for the full heat of a summer day here.) In winter, I keep it in the mid- to upper-60s range, and add layers if I get uncomfortable. ---
**Author:** ![Rhiannon8404](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rhiannon8404/32/17929_2.png) [@Rhiannon8404](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhiannon8404)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2016, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interior-temperature-preferences-usa-versus-uk-europe/758530/22 "2016-06-30T00:05:27Z")
The lowest we put our thermostat is 78° in the summer. The highest in the winter is 68°. I hate how buildings and businesses seem to overcompensate for the whatever the weather is outside. I don’t understand why they don’t maintain an constant building temperature all year round instead of over-heating in the winter and over-cooling in the summer. Does anyone know why they do that? ---
**Author:** ![C3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/c3/32/3108_2.png) [@C3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C3)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2016, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interior-temperature-preferences-usa-versus-uk-europe/758530/23 "2016-06-30T00:33:32Z")
(American) We keep our a/c at 76 in the summer and put the heat on 64 in the winter. I would freeze if the temp was 70. Every once in awhile, someone nudges the office thermostat down to 72 and I get my scarf out. As for adjustment, I don’t think it would take you that long to adjust. Our a/c died two weeks ago. The first couple days we felt like we were going to melt. The a/c people dropped off a window unit until they get back out to do the install (next week). Within about 3 days, we had adjusted enough that we’ll turn the window unit on for a little bit, but it gets too cold. It is 81 in our house right now and it feels perfectly comfortable. My kids are wrapped up in blankets on the couch. ---
**Author:** ![spamforbrains](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e274bd/32.png) [@spamforbrains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spamforbrains)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2016, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interior-temperature-preferences-usa-versus-uk-europe/758530/24 "2016-06-30T03:03:54Z")
> [@](#): > > In summer though, the US seem to chill their spaces to just above fridge temperature. I suspect - can it be? - that they (ThelmaLou excepted of course!) set the thermostat lower in summer than in winter? Yes, many places seem to do that. Never understood it. ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2016, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interior-temperature-preferences-usa-versus-uk-europe/758530/25 "2016-06-30T03:19:18Z")
> [@Askance](#): > > I suspect - can it be? - that they (\*\*ThelmaLou \*\*excepted of course!) set the thermostat lower in summer than in winter? Oh, definitely. People are idiots. I’ve never been able to understand how people can complain that it’s too hot at exactly the same temperature they complained was too cold four months earlier. > [@bob\_2](#): > > Air con is fairly rare in the UK. We don’t often get the prolonged spells of hot weather that would warrant the expense. What’s the average summer humidity in the UK when you have those hot spells, or at least the part where you are? Lots of the east coast in the US doesn’t get temperatures that are super high, days in the 80s and even high 70s are both more common than 90s here - but the humidity is ungodly; I think the summer humidity on the entire east coast in summer [averages over 80%](https://www.currentresults.com/Weather/US/humidity-by-state-in-summer.php) and even as far north as I live it’s over 90%. If it only got into the low 80s and the humidity was half what it is, we probably wouldn’t use A/C either. ---
**Author:** ![leftfield6](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leftfield6/32/18780_2.png) [@leftfield6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leftfield6)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2016, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interior-temperature-preferences-usa-versus-uk-europe/758530/26 "2016-06-30T20:11:29Z")
Yep, the humidity is a real bitch here in Atlanta. I bet I could quickly adjust to higher A/C setting if I could pull the humidity out of the air. ---
**Author:** ![Baron\_Greenback](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baron_greenback/32/48_2.png) [@Baron\_Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baron_Greenback)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2016, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interior-temperature-preferences-usa-versus-uk-europe/758530/27 "2016-06-30T20:41:11Z")
> [@elfkin477](#): > > What’s the average summer humidity in the UK when you have those hot spells, or at least the part where you are? Lots of the east coast in the US doesn’t get temperatures that are super high, days in the 80s and even high 70s are both more common than 90s here - but the humidity is ungodly; I think the summer humidity on the entire east coast in summer [averages over 80%](https://www.currentresults.com/Weather/US/humidity-by-state-in-summer.php) and even as far north as I live it’s over 90%. If it only got into the low 80s and the humidity was half what it is, we probably wouldn’t use A/C either. London is one of the warmest parts of the UK, and this chart suggest that the average humidity in the summer months is 62 - 66% (ish) > **[Check Humidity in London by Month | Accurate Insights](https://weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Humidity-perc,London,United-Kingdom)** > > Get updates on average humidity in London by month. From the most humid month, November, to the least humid month, April, know everything The year-round humidity for Edinburgh is around 80%, but of course the average temperature is a lot lower than London > **[Edinburgh Climate By Month | A Year-Round Guide](https://weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-Sunshine,edinburgh-gb,United-Kingdom)** > > Plan your visit with detailed insights on the climate in Edinburgh by month. Get accurate forecasts for Edinburgh temperature & weather by month, days, & hours ---
**Author:** ![12mgdaily](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/1/f08c70/32.png) [@12mgdaily](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/12mgdaily)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2016, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interior-temperature-preferences-usa-versus-uk-europe/758530/28 "2016-06-30T20:46:54Z")
I like my home environment to be a rather balmy 78° F year round. So that is what my thermostat is set at, and I’m very comfortable. Growing up in Pennsylvania, (in winter) I layered my clothing and spent much of my time near the heating ducts, waiting for the furnace to kick on. Now I live in Florida… yea! But I find when going out to stores, bars and office buildings, that thermostats are set much too cold. I always bring a sweater wherever I go. ---
**Author:** ![ivylass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9de053/32.png) [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2016, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interior-temperature-preferences-usa-versus-uk-europe/758530/29 "2016-06-30T20:49:31Z")
> [@spamforbrains](#): > > I’m in the USA and dislike the frigid temps most offices, businesses, and stores keep themselves at. You’re wearing summer clothing, it’s 104 outside, and you go into a 68 degree building. What do you think happens? You’re cold. Some of my former co-workers used to wear parkas and gloves indoors in the summer. God yes. I have a shawl and a cardigan at work as well as slippers and wrist warmers. I go outside during lunch to warm up. When I leave work I don’t turn my car AC on right away so I can thaw out. ---
**Author:** ![Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/earl_snake-hips_tucker/32/3269_2.png) [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2016, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interior-temperature-preferences-usa-versus-uk-europe/758530/30 "2016-06-30T20:50:41Z")
82º F in the summer. 85º at bedtime. 65º in the winter. 55º at bedtime. ---
**Author:** ![CaptMurdock](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/captmurdock/32/11736_2.png) [@CaptMurdock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaptMurdock)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2016, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interior-temperature-preferences-usa-versus-uk-europe/758530/31 "2016-06-30T23:49:34Z")
Just this week, the airconditioning at the small law office I work in broke down. This while it was 105 F outside. We generally kept the temp (or try to) at 75F, but it got warmer slowly but steadily. (We actually have pretty good insulation in the walls). By the time it got above 88 F, my office manager gave up and went home. By the time I left, it was 93 F. I was starting to see Aztec temples. Jim Morrison walked by my desk and disappeared into the file room. Three Native Americans were sitting in the waiting room having a sweat. 🆒 We got the A/C fixed by noon the next day, but it took the rest of the afternoon before the temperature was anywhere near normal. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2016, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interior-temperature-preferences-usa-versus-uk-europe/758530/32 "2016-07-04T03:36:42Z")
In my area at work we set the thermostat at 72F. It requires some people to dress warmer which is an option available. anything warmer and some people are uncomfortable and there’s no way to fix that. ---
**Author:** ![Colophon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f05b48/32.png) [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2016, 11:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interior-temperature-preferences-usa-versus-uk-europe/758530/33 "2016-07-05T11:16:16Z")
My office (in London) always seems to be fridge-like in summer and roasting in winter. It’s crazy, because you arrive for work dressed for the weather. It means I have to keep a jacket in the office for summer and strip down to a T-shirt in winter. The energy bills must be huge, too. Turn down the heating in winter, turn down the air-con in summer and use the savings to give me a pay rise. ---
**Author:** ![GunnarFranz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/da6949/32.png) [@GunnarFranz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GunnarFranz)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2016, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interior-temperature-preferences-usa-versus-uk-europe/758530/34 "2016-07-05T13:38:19Z")
I’ve always preferred to wear more clothes/bundle up in a colder place than strip in a warmer place. I prefer around 60 degrees year round, a bit warmer (66) if there is company, lounging in a sleeping bag isn’t socially acceptable. ---
**Author:** ![TheChileanBlob](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thechileanblob/32/435_2.png) [@TheChileanBlob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheChileanBlob)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2016, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interior-temperature-preferences-usa-versus-uk-europe/758530/35 "2016-07-05T13:49:41Z")
> [@GusNSpot](#): > > 67 F year round with breeze. Stronger breeze in summer just cause. You’re my kinda guy. We run the air in the winter too. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2016, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interior-temperature-preferences-usa-versus-uk-europe/758530/36 "2016-07-05T14:49:59Z")
> [@sbunny8](#): > > I’ve been told that lots of buildings in Europe don’t even have air conditioning. I’m not surprised that they’d consider Americans to be wimps for wanting a perfect 70 degrees and complaining about 74. Plenty of times I’ve been to Florida or Texas and froze my ass off because I was dressed for summer weather but the inside of all the buildings had the AC cranked down to 67. Now I remind myself to always bring a jacket when traveling someplace hot in the US. This is a common problem in large buildings. It’s very difficult to cool or heat them evenly; a big building set to keep it at 70 might have one place at 64 and another at 74. ---
**Author:** ![drewder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/57b2e6/32.png) [@drewder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewder)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2016, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interior-temperature-preferences-usa-versus-uk-europe/758530/37 "2016-07-05T17:43:37Z")
In my experience I prefer 70 and most people from outside the USA prefer 20. ---
**Author:** ![Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e19adc/32.png) [@Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2016, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interior-temperature-preferences-usa-versus-uk-europe/758530/38 "2016-07-05T18:15:32Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > This is a common problem in large buildings. It’s very difficult to cool or heat them evenly; a big building set to keep it at 70 might have one place at 64 and another at 74. Sounds like my building. The side where I work (the sunny side) is perpetually cold. The other side always has the heat on. A big problem, though, is not the actual temperature: it’s the wind chill. Simply put, if you sit near the vents you will be cold, no matter the actual temperature. ---
**Author:** ![KCB615](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ea666f/32.png) [@KCB615](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KCB615)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2016, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interior-temperature-preferences-usa-versus-uk-europe/758530/39 "2016-07-05T22:09:34Z")
If I can’t hang slabs of beef from the ceiling, it’s too warm. If I could keep my house and office at 65F year round, I’d be happy. The thermostat at home (if I have sole control) doesn’t get set above 63 through the winter. If it’s above 74, summer or winter, I whine and quickly combust. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interior-temperature-preferences-usa-versus-uk-europe/758530.md?page=1)