It is every host’s duty to make their guests feel comfortable. From lighting candles to filling the room with the sweet aroma of homestyle cooking, there are plenty of things you can do to create a cozy atmosphere. The tricky part, however, is deciding on a comfortable temperature. Guests from colder states might need more than just three layers of sweaters. It’s also possible that your guests prefer different temperature settings than what you’re accustomed to.

Whether you’re planning a small get-together with friends or a large dinner with family, in this article, we’ll help you choose a comfortable thermostat setting that works for all guests.

Set to Low Before Guests Arrive

Start with a lower thermostat setting to cool your home. Be sure to begin running your furnace at least an hour before guests arrive to give it time to completely cool the entire home. The indoor temperature will naturally rise as more and more guests begin to walk through your front door.

Adjust Accordingly

Have you ever been to a crowded party where all you wanted to do was to get some fresh air? When things get toasty, set your thermostat to “Cool” for a few minutes so that it blasts cold air until the room reaches a comfortable temperature again.

Go for the Safe Setting of 60-70

No matter how many times you adjust the thermostat, there will always be one guest who feels too cold or too hot. According to the Department of Energy, the ideal thermostat setting would be around the sixties if it’s cold outside, and around the seventies during hot summer days. If you’re in a warmer state like Arizona or Texas, you might want to set your thermostat much lower.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

You’re not going to have the time to make sure that all of your guests are cozy. Installing a programmable thermostat can help you schedule when it should be set lower or higher so that you can focus on other things like baking your turkey or running out to buy ice. You may want to set your thermostat lower before the party begins, and higher around the time that guests begin to leave.

Prepare One or Two Fans

It’s always a good idea to have one or two fans at the ready. This is especially helpful when you’re expecting a large number of guests, and if certain areas in your home tend to get warmer than others. When the room starts to feel toasty, turn on your floor fans and angle them upward. The cool air that it picks up from the ground will be mixed with the warmer air on your ceiling.

Have Your HVAC Checked

Before any party, it’s recommended to have your HVAC unit checked for potential issues as well as for general maintenance. This ensures that your HVAC won’t run into problems during the party, which would be very embarrassing. An HVAC technician can determine if your unit is in its peak condition.

Conclusion

Aside from playing the right music and cooking the tastiest food, it’s also important to maintain a comfortable temperature to make sure that guests are comfortable. By following the tips above, you can have a party where everyone is enjoying themselves, without shivering or sweating.