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Temperature battles heating up B.C. bedrooms
A new BC Hydro report finds B.C. couples cannot agree on a bedroom temperature at night, resulting in arguments and sometimes even separate bedrooms.
The report titled āBedroom battleground: B.C. couples are butting heads over bedroom temperature,ā finds while more than 80% of British Columbian couples complain to their partner about the temperature in their home, one-third said complaints lead to full-blown arguments and a quarter of these arguments are happening over the bedroom temperature.
A survey commissioned on behalf of BC Hydro found arguments in some homes have escalated to the point where almost 30% have slept in another room, or at least considered it, because it is too hot or too cold in the bedroom. This might be because about three-quarters of B.C. couples are going to bed with the heat on higher than the recommended 16 degrees Celsius in the winter months ā despite eight in 10 preferring a cooler bedroom.
While most prefer a cooler bedroom, those who like it a bit warmer have the window to contend with ā almost 40% said they often keep a window in the bedroom open at night no matter how cold it is outside, and 14% have fought with their partner over the window being open.
While the bedroom thermostat is a contentious issue, it is not the only thing B.C. couples cannot agree on in the bedroom. An overwhelming 78% said their partner does something during the night that they do not like ā and snoring is at the top of the list (54%) followed by taking up too much space (26%), and fidgeting/moving too much (26%).
With Valentineās Day tomorrow, BC Hydro recommends the following tips to help keep the peace in the bedroom:
- Consider compromise: Once you figure out a thermostat compromise, get a programmable thermostat to keep the temperature at the agreed upon number and save up to 15% over the winter.
- Settle for suggestedĀ temperatures: From anĀ energy efficiency perspective, BC Hydro does recommend an ideal temperature to set the thermostat at depending on what individuals are doing in the home, for example:
– 16 degrees Celsius when away from home or sleeping;
21 degrees Celsius when relaxing or watching T.V., and
18 degrees Celsius when cooking or doing housework.
- Agree to disagree: Using separate duvet covers or wearing warmer or cooler pyjamas to bed can help ease temperature tensions.
For more ways to save energy and money this winter, visit powersmart.ca.
BC Hydro
