Control of the office thermostat is often disputed turf. When it comes to the right temperature setting, personal preferences as well as actual physical requirements often vary among assorted co-workers randomly assembled in a typical work environment. This can make it difficult to keep everyone comfortable with a single thermostat setting.
If you’re assigned the dubious distinction of managing the office thermostat, here are some factors to help you keep most of your co-workers content and comfortable … most of the time.
Keep the Temperature Neutral
In this case, a “neutral” office thermostat setting is simply one that is acceptable for the majority of those occupying the space. Maintaining a temperature based on majority preference establishes an expectation of a certain consistent comfort level. Continuously adjusting and readjusting the office thermostat setting, conversely, tends to make many people either unacceptably warm or too chilly at any given time — eventually pleasing nobody.
Two official standards may be referenced to choose a neutral temperature:
- The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) that sets standards for HVAC components recommends an indoor temperature of 76 degrees during the summer and 72 degrees in the winter.
- The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) doesn’t take a stand on a specific work-thermostat setting, instead suggesting a temperature range between 68 and 76 degrees.
Personalized Heating and Cooling
Because “neutral” doesn’t mean there’s an ideal temperature that’s a perfect fit for everyone, employers may encourage employees with particular needs or sensitivities to alter their work wardrobe accordingly. Also, the new generation of “mini” ceramic space heaters and desktop fans can be utilized to tweak comfort control in a very limited area (such as someone’s cube). These devices should include vital safety features such as tip-over switches to automatically shut down the unit if it falls over and internal timer settings that allow the unit to run only during preset daily hours.
The professionals at Paitson Bros. have more information about successfully managing the office thermostat. We’ve been keeping commercial work environments comfortably heated and cooled since 1922.
Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922