Gender Differences in Thermostat Settings, and Why

If you live with a partner, or you work in a workplace with both men and women, you’ve probably noticed that there are gender differences in terms of how warm or how cold someone claims that they are. This isn’t just a person by person issue. Studies have shown that there are actual reasons that you and your partner may keep adjusting the thermostat to different settings.

Navigating the dynamics of thermostat settings in homes and workplaces often leads to interesting observations, particularly regarding gender differences. It’s not uncommon to hear debates over the ideal temperature setting, with preferences seemingly split along gender lines. This phenomenon, while seemingly trivial, has roots in physiological, psychological, and cultural factors.

Understanding the Gender Divide in Temperature Preferences

Even within gender, everyone is a bit different, and so this should not be seen as a universal phenomenon. That said, there are several reasons that people may experience gender differences in terms of ideal thermostat settings. These include:

• Physiological Differences – A key factor in differing temperature preferences between genders lies in basal metabolic rate (BMR). Typically, men have a higher BMR compared to women, leading to higher body heat production. This difference means that men often prefer cooler environments, while women are more comfortable in warmer settings.
• Cultural and Societal Norms – Societal norms and cultural expectations also play a role. For instance, traditional office dress codes often require men to wear suits, which may influence their preference for cooler temperatures. In contrast, women’s business attire can vary more significantly in terms of coverage and insulation, affecting their comfort levels at different temperatures.
• Psychological Factors – Psychological elements, including individual comfort and well-being, also contribute to these differences. Personal experiences and habits formed over time can influence one’s preferred temperature setting.

Basal metabolic rate is the component most likely to affect gender differences within individuals, leading to women preferring temperatures above 74 degrees, and men below. The exact temperature may depend on several environmental factors, as will the overall comfort level for reasons unrelated to a person’s natural temperature, but there are gender differences that become apparent when you’re trying to maintain an optimum temperature.

How Energy Efficiency Plays a Role in Your Property

Comfort is subjective and varies from person to person. Finding a temperature that accommodates the majority can also be challenging – but necessary for collective comfort. This often involves compromising and setting the thermostat at a neutral temperature that is neither too hot nor too cold.

However, one issue that often arises, especially in the household is when there is poor energy efficiency. Poor energy efficiency on a property can lead to issues such as cool breezes in warm homes, or temperatures that fluctuate up and down to rapidly depending on the time of year. This means that two different people may both be experiencing hot or cold fluctuations in ways that are uncomfortable.

Consistent temperatures are thus critical for maintaining better comfort, regardless of gender. If you need help with your HVAC, windows, siding, or roofing to help improve your property’s energy efficiency, please contact California Energy Consultant Service, today.