Here, in the greater Phoenix area, it’s back to school time. Yet it certainly doesn’t feel like a normal start to the school year. In-person classes are being delayed until at least August 17th due to the COVID-19 pandemic. And with children remaining at home for now, parents are tasked with creating designated areas that support effective learning. This includes providing a space with a flat surface, comfortable seating, good lighting, and a place to store class materials. It also means ensuring that the indoor temperature is comfortable, which can sometimes be a challenge when it’s well into the triple digits outdoors.
While optimizing your indoor temperature might not have been at the top of your to-do list when it comes to your child’s remote learning, it is an important factor. Just as temperature affects worker productivity, it also impacts children’s learning. Whether too hot or too cold, temperature can be a real problem when it isn’t properly regulated.
According to many workplace studies, the sweet spot of indoor temperatures is between 72 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Of course, there are other factors at play. Children who have a lower-than-average body mass index (BMI) often get cold easier. And humidity can also affect how children perceive temperature. If the air is overly humid, it can impact the ability to sweat – making it feel warmer. Low humidity can cause skin, throat and nasal passage irritation. Most experts will tell you that a relative humidity level of 40 percent is optimal for year-round comfort in a home.
So, as you set up your home classroom for your children this school year, make sure to consider the temperature. Take time to set your thermostat, change the air filter and, if you haven’t already, call for a tune-up. A malfunctioning air conditioner definitely isn’t something you’ll want to deal with while trying to support your at-home student.
Want to learn more about how to optimize your home’s comfort? Call Cool Blew today at 623-872-2900.
