In Fahrenheit
Freezer should be zero° F
Fridge should be below 40° F
Lettuce should be stored 39° F or below to prevent the growth of bacteria
Root cellar needs to hold steady 32 - 40° F and humidity 85-95%
Cans and jars should not freeze (may expand and break) ideal temp is 50° F
Wine needs to be kept below 70° F
Apples like 30° F to 32° F may vary depending on the type of apple cultivar
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woodstoves should be hotter than 300 or 350° F, less than 500 or 600° F
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water heaters - this is a difficult decision to make - the EPA recommends 120° F
Water heaters set at temperatures between 77°F to 108°F (25°C to 42°C) can become breeding grounds for Legionella bacteria, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease.Preventing Waterborne Germs at Home (CDC)
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Plumbing
heat tape temperature - usually turns on at 35° F and turns off when 70° F
"pex can withstand temperatures of at least 150 F" I read this on the Internet - it relates to heat tape in that you shouldn't worry about pex wrapped in heat tape because it does not get that hot. I hope.
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Gardening
Some plants, and fruit trees, need "chilling hours" - they need to have so many hours of cold temperatures in the winter in order to fruit the next summer. The amount of hours and temperatures vary.
Chill temperatures are between 32°F and 45°F
How many hours? AI advice:
Utah model
This model uses a set of calculations to determine the number of chill units for each temperature. For example, one hour below 34°F is 0.0 chill units, while one hour between 37°F and 48°F is 1.0 chill units.
Dynamic model
This model takes into account variations in temperature over time and can reset the calculation if cold conditions return after a warm spell.
Different fruit and nut trees have different chilling hour requirements. For example, a typical apple or pear tree needs 1,200 to 1,500 chill hours. If a tree doesn't get enough chill hours, it may not flower or set fruit.
To determine if your area receives enough annual chill hours, you can use hourly historical weather data for your location. You can also consult your county Extension Agent for advice.
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Construction
What is the difference between cement and concrete?
In short: cement is a component of concrete. You’d never build with cement alone—it’d be too brittle. Concrete’s strength comes from the combination. A rough analogy? Cement is like flour, and concrete is the bread.
What temperature for concrete to cure?
Concrete doesn’t require a specific temperature to set—it’s more about maintaining conditions that allow the chemical reaction (hydration) between cement and water to occur effectively. The ideal temperature range for concrete to cure properly is typically between 50°F and 75°F (10°C to 24°C). This sweet spot ensures the reaction happens at a steady pace, leading to strong, durable concrete.
If it’s too cold—below 40°F (4°C)—the hydration process slows dramatically, and freezing (32°F or 0°C) can halt it entirely, potentially damaging the concrete with ice formation. That’s why in winter, builders might use heated water, blankets, or enclosures to keep the mix warm.
On the flip side, if it’s too hot—above 90°F (32°C)—the water in the mix can evaporate too quickly, speeding up hydration unevenly and risking cracks or weaker strength. In hot climates, they might cool the mix with chilled water or shade it during curing.
The key is control. Standard practice often aims for an initial pour temperature around 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C), then maintaining moisture and temperature for at least 7 days (or longer for full strength, up to 28 days). Specific projects might tweak this based on the concrete type or additives used—think accelerators for cold weather or retarders for heat. - Grok
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What temperature is best to use spray foam insulation?
Great Stuff spray foam insulation, a popular one-component polyurethane foam sealant, works best when applied within a specific temperature range. For optimal results, the product should be used when the can and ambient temperatures are between 60°F and 90°F (15°C to 32°C). This range ensures proper dispensing, expansion, and curing. The ideal curing conditions are around 70°F (21°C) with moderate humidity (about 50%), though it’ll still work slightly outside these bounds.
If it’s colder—say below 40°F (4°C)—the foam may not expand or cure properly, as the reaction slows down significantly. You might get a sluggish, dense blob instead of a nice, airy seal. Keeping the can warm (like soaking it in warm water beforehand) can help if you’re pushing the lower limit. Below 20°F (-6°C), it’s dicey—some users report success with low-temp formulations, but standard Great Stuff isn’t designed for that.
In hot conditions—above 90°F (32°C)—it can expand too fast or cure unevenly, potentially leaving gaps or a brittle finish. The can itself shouldn’t exceed 120°F (49°C) either, or you risk it malfunctioning or becoming unsafe to handle.
Surface temperature matters too. The area you’re spraying should ideally be above 60°F (15°C) and dry—cold or wet surfaces can mess with adhesion and curing. In practice, you can stretch these limits with tricks like heating the space or the can, but for best performance, stick to 60°F to 90°F. Always shake it well and test a small spot if you’re unsure. -Grok
ΣTemperature
