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The Case for a Warmer House

Keeping your house too cool could cause higher blood pressure.

When it comes to HVAC and water heating, the emphasis has been on efficiency and comfort. And, of course, with the high heat most of the country is experiencing right now, keeping as cool as possible is the goal. 

But before you reprogram that thermostat for optimum cool, consider the results of a study published in the Journal of Hypertension, which found that cooler indoor temperatures are linked to higher blood pressure.

Researchers at the University College London determined that for every one-degree Celsius decrease in indoor temperature, systolic blood pressure rises by an average of 0.48 mmHg, and diastolic blood pressure jumps about 0.45 mmHg. (A blood pressure under 120/80 mmHg is considered normal.)

Consumer sentiment shows both men and women refer to a cold house when discussing HVAC. In addition to assessing air sealing and insulation condition, and window and door quality, people should make sure their HVAC systems are efficient and easy to adjust so they can keep their homes at optimum temperature. This is the same for water heaters, which should be sized for the hot water load of the household and programmable to deliver hot water at peak times efficiently.

“Our research has helped to explain the higher rates of hypertension, as well as potential increases in deaths from stroke and heart disease, in the winter months, suggesting indoor temperatures should be taken more seriously in diagnosis and treatment decisions, and in public health messages,” says senior author Dr. Stephen Jivraj, of the UCL Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, in a media release. “Among other diet and lifestyle changes people can make to reduce high blood pressure, our findings suggest that keeping homes a bit warmer could also be beneficial.”

While researchers didn’t pinpoint a temperature for a “warm enough home,” they did suggest that about 70 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. The findings of the study they believe are important for doctors to keep in mind when treating patients who are at-risk for high blood pressure and also for people monitoring their own blood pressure at home who can put this theory to the test for themselves. 



This post first appeared on Green Builder Media, please read the originial post: here

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The Case for a Warmer House

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