According to the National Sleep Foundation, nearly 50 percent of Americans have poor or insufficient sleep. This impacts their daily activities and reduces quality of life. One of the most important things we can do for our health and happiness is get sufficient sleep. While there are plenty of gadgets and medications that can induce sleep, one of the simplest ways to wake up feeling refreshed is to optimize your HVAC system. By effectively managing your indoor air temperature and quality, you set the stage for a good night’s sleep.
Keep It Cool
Although it’s tempting to turn up the heat and bundle up under layers of blankets on a cold fall evening, cool temperatures are actually better for sleep. Sleep experts recommend a bedroom temperature of between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit.
Maintaining this temperature is relatively simple during the fall and winter. But, here in the greater Phoenix area, it’s more challenging and costly during the warm weather months. This is why proper insulation and ceiling fans are also beneficial.
Rely on Your Programmable Thermostat
You don’t necessarily need to keep the thermostat set to 60 degrees around the clock, unless you really like high utility bills. Instead, you can program it to cool air to a lower temperature when you go to bed for a set amount of time. Thirty minutes to one hour is often sufficient. This will give you enough time to wind down and fall asleep. This one tip can save you hundreds of dollars every year.
Clean Your Air Filters
Your HVAC system doesn’t just cool and heat your indoor air, it also is designed to remove particulates in the air which can cause allergic symptoms and breathing problems. Many people lose sleep at night due to congestion, wheezing, itchy eyes and sneezing. A simple way to combat this is to regularly change your system’s air filters. We recommend that homeowners change them out at least once a month.
Do you want to learn more about how HVAC systems and indoor air quality can optimize your home for a better night’s sleep? Call the experts at Ellsworth Home Services at 480-593-2265.
