Baby, it’s cold inside! Warm-up with a Smart Thermostat
On December 26th, retailers began to remind us that Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching. While no one denies how commercial every holiday has become, most would also agree that any excuse to strengthen relationships is a very healthy thing. We promise, Northwind is not starting a romance helpline; but we will share a fun, interesting fact about cold temps and romance just in time for Valentine’s Day.
There is evidence that the cold weather of winter prompts and promotes romance. This is not a gimmick, but a fact that couples can use to their advantage. Here is what we discovered.
- When it is cold, we crave warmth, right. It determines what we wear and how long we spend outdoors. The colder it is, the more we stay inside.
- When couples are cold, they often snuggle up close on the couch to enjoy each other’s warmth and of course, watch movies together.
- Now the hard decision comes—what to watch? Now that can spoil a romantic mood!
In 2012, two researchers explored the decisions people make at different room temperatures. Their focus was simple enough; does temperature affect romantic feelings. After all, the physical responses we associate with love and romance make us feel warm.
- Sweaty palms
- Short, quick breaths
- Increased heart rate
Since these physical responses to romance mimic warmth, the researchers explored how temperature might affect romantic feelings.
The study began with two rooms, one warm, one cool, and several couples. After settling into each room, the couples were asked to select a movie to watch. The temperature was the only variable.
- Couples in the cool room chose romantic movies more than couples settled into the warm room.
- When asked, couples that did not associate romance movies with physical warmth did not choose romantic movies even in the cool room.1
Armed with this information, a couple can prepare for Valentine’s Day appropriately. Plan a romantic meal at your favorite restaurant. Come home, lower the temperature to 62 to 650, snuggle up on the couch and select a good romantic movie.
If it works for Valentine’s Day, consider upgrading to a Smart Thermostat. This will allow you to schedule the temperature to drop for a regular date night.
Have Questions About Smart Thermostats?
Northwind Air Conditioning and Heat can help with Smart Thermostat installation, replacing Your HVAC system, maintenance, and AC repair. Contact us and get the answers you need.
1 https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1086/662613?seq=1