Not a lot of people realize that the comfort and quality of sleep are influenced by your HVAC system. Trusted heating and air conditioning contractor Acker Heating & Cooling explains temperature, humidity, and air quality control can have an impact on sleep quality.
Ideal Temperatures for Restful Sleep
It’s not an uncommon occurrence — the scorching days of summer or chilly winter nights might leave you tossing and turning. The National Sleep Foundation states that adults typically sleep best in a cool environment, suggesting an ideal bedroom temperature of 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit. However, remember that infants and the elderly may need a slightly warmer environment.
Setting the thermostat for both air conditioning and heating systems to create an ideal sleeping environment might seem straightforward, but complications can arise. Modern thermostats, particularly the programmable or smart varieties, allow you to set up a schedule that cools the bedroom just before bedtime without you having to remember to do it manually.
Zoned Comfort for Sleep Optimization
In homes with different sleeping preferences or multilevel structures, temperature discrepancies can manifest and impact sleep quality. This is where zoning systems that offer individual room controls become beneficial. Installing a zoned HVAC system ensures each room can be adjusted to personal comfort levels, enhancing sleep without unnecessary cooling or heating the rest of the house.
Noise Control
Noise coming from the HVAC unit, particularly if it’s near the bedroom, is another potential sleep disrupter. Upgrading to a quieter HVAC unit can mean the difference between broken sleep and restorative rest. Units with inverter technology, for example, let out a low hum during operation, but to an extent that it won’t disturb your sleep.
Indoor Air Quality and Sleep
The quality of indoor air has an outsized impact on sleep quality as well. Allergens such as pollen, pet dander and mold can stir up respiratory issues that interfere with sleep. Cleaning or replacing HVAC filters, sealing ducts to prevent dust infiltration, and installing whole-home air purifiers, are some of the ways you can improve air quality and ensure a sound sleep. Additionally, in high-efficiency homes, adequate ventilation is necessary to maintain air quality, which may necessitate an energy recovery ventilator (ERV).
Managing Humidity for Comfortable Sleep
Humidity levels can make or break your sleep quality. The recommended range – generally between 30-50% – helps prevent conditions such as dehydration or overheating. An HVAC system that is correctly sized for your home plays a pivotal role in managing humidity levels. If needed, consider augmenting your system with whole-house dehumidifiers or humidifiers to fine-tune the indoor climate.
If you want to get restful sleep with the right temperature, you’ll want to install a superior unit with the help of experienced technicians. For that, you can turn to Acker Heating & Cooling, a reliable residential and commercial HVAC contractor serving Colbert, GA, and the surrounding areas. Call (706) 425-8774 today, or fill out our contact form to request an estimate.