Buzz
The most precise methods for finding the ambient temperature, along with the optimal temperature for your living space
Even though your thermostat is set to 72 °F (22 °C), if you're still feeling cold, you may be wondering about the actual room temperature and the accuracy of your thermostat. Fortunately, there are various tools available to measure room temperature, including ones you may already have in your pocket. This article guides you through measuring room temperature with your smartphone (using its internal thermometer or an external sensor) as well as utilizing traditional thermometers. Let's find out the real temperature!
Essential Information
- To accurately check room temperature with your smartphone, utilize an external sensor or a smartphone-compatible weather station.
- Utilize digital, glass, or bimetallic thermometers by placing them in the center of the room (at least 2 ft (0.61 m) high) and reading after approximately 5 minutes.
- For healthy adults, the recommended room temperature ranges from 64–75º F (18–24º C).
Procedure
Utilizing Smartphone Sensors & Apps
Consider the Limitations of Thermometer Apps for iPhone or Android. Most smartphones lack the necessary hardware to accurately measure room temperature—typically, their sensors only monitor battery temperature and are affected by the phone's heat. Consequently, thermometer apps usually provide rough, often inaccurate room temperature estimates unless they incorporate a dedicated ambient temperature sensor.
- Notable thermometer apps include Room Temperature Thermometer, HD Thermometer, and Real Thermometer.
- Some smartphones with external temperature sensors include Samsung Galaxy S4, Samsung Galaxy Note 3, Motorola Moto X, Huawei Ascend P6, and Xiaomi Mi3.
- The number of smartphones with accurate sensors has declined due to the feature's lack of popularity and difficulty in manufacturing.
Acquire an external temperature sensor or weather station for your smartphone. To obtain accurate readings, connect your smartphone to an external thermometer. Seek devices that connect via WiFi or Bluetooth—many can also gauge humidity, air quality, and more. Then, download the corresponding app to your smartphone for convenient access and adjustments.
- WiFi models are pricier than Bluetooth variants, which only function within a certain distance from the sensor.
- External sensors and weather stations can integrate with Amazon Alexa or Google Home systems, if available.
Launch the app associated with your sensor or weather station. Once the app has finished downloading, open it. Depending on the product, you may need to create an account to synchronize the device with the app. Ensure your smartphone is connected to the same WiFi network as the external device, if it uses WiFi. For Bluetooth connectivity, pair your devices to enable functionality.
Access the app's home screen or select the room temperature display. The app's interface may vary depending on the device, but locating the temperature reading should be straightforward. Verify that you're viewing the room or ambient temperature, not the weather forecast.
- Adjust the settings to your preferred temperature scale (Fahrenheit or Celsius), or manually convert the reading if you enjoy a bit of arithmetic!
Utilizing Traditional Thermometers
Opt for a digital thermometer for precise temperature measurements. Although electronic and digital thermometers are more expensive, they offer rapid and accurate temperature readings, reacting swiftly to changes in air temperature.
- Some digital models retain temperature data over time, facilitating evaluation of room temperature fluctuations.
Choose a traditional glass thermometer for approximate temperature estimations. Opt for mercury-free options due to mercury's high toxicity if the thermometer breaks. These thermometers utilize a glass tube (capillary) containing a liquid. As temperature increases, the liquid expands and ascends the tube.
- Unlike digital thermometers, these are slower to adjust to temperature changes and only offer approximate readings of ambient temperature.
- Common names for these thermometers include bulb or liquid-in-glass thermometers.
Consider a bimetallic thermometer for decorative or easy-to-read options. Featuring a display dial with a pointer, akin to a clockface, these thermometers indicate temperature changes via a metal strip that expands and bends with rising room temperature, moving the pointer on the dial.
- The prominent pointer on the dial ensures easy temperature reading from a distance. However, bimetallic thermometers are less precise than digital counterparts.
- These thermometers can have simplistic designs or mimic compasses, clocks, sundials, or other motifs.
Position the thermometer in the room's center, at least 2 ft (0.61 m) above the ground. This placement ensures accurate readings, away from floor or wall temperatures. Ensure no drafts or heat sources are nearby, as they can affect the reading.
- Consider placing the thermometer on a table or stand to elevate it from the cooler floor.
- Avoid direct sunlight exposure, which may yield higher readings.
Allow 5 minutes for the thermometer to adapt to room temperature. Step away from the thermometer to prevent your body heat from affecting the reading. Most thermometers, especially glass or bimetallic ones, require several minutes to adjust to temperature changes.
- Digital thermometers operate quickly and may display results in approximately 1-2 minutes.
Read the thermometer without holding or touching it. Keep the thermometer on the surface to avoid altering the reading with your hand heat. For most individuals, a comfortable room temperature falls between 18–24º C (64–75º F).
- Digital thermometers: Check the numbers on the digital display for the temperature. This reading offers the highest accuracy.
- Glass thermometers: Note the nearest number or tick mark to the liquid's top in the tube. Maintain eye level with the liquid's top for precise readings.
- Bimetallic thermometers: Identify the number or tick mark indicated by the pointer, akin to reading an analog clock.
Optimal Room Temperatures
Maintain most rooms in your household between 64–75º F (18–24º C). The World Health Organization (WHO) and other health organizations recommend a minimum room temperature of approximately 64º F (18º C) for healthy adults properly dressed for the season. This temperature range suits rooms like living areas, where occupants primarily sit still while socializing or watching television.
- For seniors, infants, or individuals with health conditions, elevate the minimum temperature to about 68º F (20º C).
Adjust bedroom temperatures to range from 60–67° F (15–19° C). Cooler temperatures promote better sleep as temperature reduction signals the body to induce drowsiness. Sleep experts recommend envisioning your bedroom as a 'cave' for optimal sleep quality—maintain it cool, dark, and quiet.
Keep your bathroom slightly warmer at around 71° F (22° C). This temperature ensures comfort when exiting the shower or bath (sudden exposure to much colder temperatures can adversely affect health). It also provides a pleasant environment whether using the bathroom during nighttime or daytime.
Save on costs by maintaining your home at approximately 78 °F (26 °C) during summer. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, set your thermostat to the highest temperature that remains comfortable in warm weather during waking hours. Lower the temperature when sleeping for comfort, and adjust your thermostat slightly higher when away for extended periods to conserve energy.
- The smaller the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your air conditioning expenses will be.
Keep a daytime temperature of about 68 °F (20 °C) during winter. Conserve energy and money in colder months by maintaining a slightly cooler home. Lower the thermostat a few degrees when sleeping or away for extended periods.
- If absent for days or weeks during winter, maintain your thermostat at a minimum of 50 °F (10 °C) to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
Helpful Tips
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If a room feels 'just right,' the temperature likely falls between 72–76° F (22–24° C). This range allows most individuals to radiate body heat and maintain an internal temperature of 98.6 °F (37.0 °C).
