What's the ideal temperature of a home?

For a house the temperature should be at 70 degrees. this is the most effective temp for the day time, and at night you want the temp to be at about 65-67 degrees. Studies have shown that these are the best temperatures to have a home be at. These temps will save you money all year round. And are vey comfortable. Mold is less likely to grow. Indoor plants do better.

If it is cold and dry inside, it is very difficult to maintain heat for comfort. Adding humidity to the air gives the heat something to hold on to and will last longer at lower temps. If you don't have a humidifier try pan of water in the oven set on the lowest temperature setting 150-170 degrees F.

This is why cooling is easier during the summer. It's the removal of the humidity that makes the air feel cooler, because as we perspire the evaporation is more effective.

I have read all your comments. 5 pages and not once has anyone taken into account the disabled who are not able to put on extra layers when cold and wait for assistance. They are inactive so not able to generate more body heat. They are inclined to be trying to save money by turning heating down as well as a conscious effort at conserving energy. Thats why so many end up in hospital with hypothermia.

I live in Southern California, Los Angeles to be exact and it seems like every summer it just gets hotter and hotter! We've had several 100*+ days this summer and even though Fall technically started this past week, this weekend was still very warm! 98 on Saturday and 100 Sunday. Around here the power company suggests to keep the thermostat at 78* for it to be cost effective, but that's crap because my bill was still sky high, in my opinion. Still, we listened for the most part the past three years or so, but this year my wife was pregnant during most of the summer and she was not content at 78*, so we went as low as 72 in order to keep her comfortable. We paid for it, but it's a small price to pay for her personal comfort. With that said, the lower temperature during the summer months only got us used to the house being that cool and now we can't seem to let it go higher than 74 without complaining.
In the winter there aren't many days that require central heat and when we do feel the need for a little extra warmth, we make babies.. ha just kidding. We have a couple of those small room heaters that work great! I couldn't tell you the exact temperature it gets indoors, but if I had to guess I'd say it's between 65 and 70, during Winter months.

I definitely believe that everyone can come to a consensus on what feels appropriate for a room temperature. I just think it truly depends on the time of day it is, and what kind of weather it is outside.

At night, most people are inclined to enjoy a cooler setting as opposed to a warmer one. A normal temperature for that would be around 67-69 degrees. And for the daytime 69-72.

If it is winter then your preferences may change because the overall temperature of your house goes down.

It's all subjective, but I've found that most people find comfort in the 68-70 range overall.
GT

What do thermal comfort Standards say?

This whole thread is too subjective to be in any way useful; if you live in Florida, your heating/AC thermostat settings are going to be entirely different to someone living in Minnesota. Additionally, if live in a colder climate and you "run hot" (as I do), you are going to want a completely different ambient temperature in your house than someone who feels the cold. And how well your home is insulated is bound to make a difference, too.
The bottom line is not to be uncomfortable in your home, but try a few things out. It is both wasteful and expensive to have an overheated home. Use timers effectively; if you/family are out working/at school all day, only heat the house in the morning and an hour before returning. If you have one, a wood burning stove or open fire is always a better option. Also, and without wanting anyone to be cold or unfomfortable, is it reasonable to expect to just wear shorts and a t shirt in winter - even indoors? Stick on a light sweater. Lower your thermostat a little.

On a personal note - and without medical training - it is my experience that people who live in excessively heated/cooled houses are more susceptible to colds, influenza and related illnesses.
CB

Let's keep it very simple.... I respect everyone's thoughts. The level of comfort one finds at a particular temperature , at a particular time of the year is very simply, a personal matter. No one is right, wrong, crazy, ridiculous, nuts, etc.. Saying so is just rude. Personally, I am comfortable at about 70 in the summer and 78 in winter). Thanks.