
Picture this: it’s a brisk autumn morning. You’re layered up, coffee in hand, only to step into the office and find yourself shivering as if you’re inside a walk-in freezer. A quiet hand reaches for the thermostat and dials it up ever so slightly. Studies show that women, on average, feel cold at higher temperatures than men do, thanks to a combination of metabolic and physiological differences. Women generally have lower metabolic rates, which means they generate less heat at rest. So, when the thermostat is set to a temperature considered “normal” for everyone else, it can leave many women feeling downright frosty.
Room Temperature vs. Perceived Temperature: The Great Divide

Here’s where things get interesting (or frustrating, depending on where you sit). The actual temperature of a room isn’t the only thing impacting comfort; perceived temperature—a cocktail of humidity, air circulation, and personal preference—plays just as big a role. Think of temperature as a dance partner and humidity as the rhythm. High humidity in winter can make a room feel colder than it is, while low humidity in summer can feel like a dry oven. So while one person might reach for a sweater, another may feel cozy as they are. This complex interplay makes finding a single “perfect” temperature nearly impossible.
Finding Middle Ground: Solutions for Office Thermostat Peace

What’s a workplace to do? There are some classic options, like layered clothing and individual space heaters. Alternatively, you could experiment with zoning—a solution often used in building automation to allow different temperatures in various areas. Other more creative strategies involve focusing on adaptable personal comfort tools: heated desks, blankets, or even thermal socks can give chilly folks their own little cocoon without affecting the room’s overall thermostat. Rather than pushing for a universal temperature, the key lies in flexible solutions that acknowledge different comfort levels without sparking a thermostat tug-of-war.
Energy Savings from Adjusting the Temperature by Just 1°C

If everyone can agree to minor adjustments in temperature, the benefits aren’t only felt on the skin but in energy bills, too. Turning down the temperature by 1°C during colder months can save an average of 5-10% on heating costs, while increasing it by the same amount in summer can lead to similar savings in cooling expenses. This simple change also has a positive ripple effect on carbon footprints. It’s like wrapping the world in an extra cozy blanket without overloading the thermostat. Small adjustments, big impact—both on comfort and on costs.
In the end, while the thermostat tug-of-war may never fully be resolved, it’s possible to keep everyone from being too hot under the collar about it.
Explore how can Alledio OEM HMI Panel help you monitor and fine-tune temperature settings across different zones, helping reduce energy costs while keeping everyone comfortable.
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Our marketing team felt inspired by reading the original Article Why women secretly turn up the heating from The Guardian, published on October 2017.