Setting the Correct Facility Temperature

Air condition settings recommended for residential facilities by Energy Star® have been receiving a lot of criticism on social media in recent days.

Energy Star, a federal government-backed program to promote energy efficiency, suggests residential facilities set their air conditioning settings for 78 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, 85 degrees when facilities are empty, and 82 degrees when residents are sleeping.

Recent studies have shown higher daytime temperatures can help improve productivity for some people. However, higher temperatures can also interfere with people getting proper sleep, as the ideal temperature for sleep is around 65 degrees.

Some facilities, such as schools, have experienced mold growth when air conditioning is set at a high temperature or is off when classes are out for the summer.

In office and other workplace settings, the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration recommends temperatures between 68 and 76 degrees and humidity control in the range of 20% to 60%.

Facility managers concerned with maintaining an ideal building temperature for workers and residents can use smart, interconnected building technologies with sensors to assure a consistent temperature.