4 Strategies for Finally Ending the Thermostat War

Thermostat conflicts have been ongoing in U.S. households for decades. These tips can help you find peace and comfort and save money.

It’s happened every year for decades. Outside temperatures start to fall and tensions over thermostat settings indoors begin to rise. If the thermostat fight in your household is heating up, these strategies can help ease the conflict while saving energy and increasing comfort.

1. Settle your setting differences

Comfort and money are the two biggest causes of thermostat conflicts. Try to compromise and find the best settings for your household. To optimize comfort and energy cost savings, ENERGY STAR® recommends setting the thermostat to 70°F in winter (62°F when sleeping or not at home). Everyone has their own comfort level. The point is to come to an agreement and stick to it.

2. Make a smart move

Reinforce your agreement by upgrading to an ENERGY STAR-certified smart thermostat. Some smart models can program themselves to save energy and maintain comfort by learning your habits and accounting for outdoor weather conditions and other factors. By controlling temperatures, your thermostat can act as a neutral third party that can help resolve any disagreements.

3. Hold an inspection

Your thermostat agreement may not hold if your heating system isn't operating properly. Hire a qualified professional to inspect and clean your system to ensure peak performance. If your system is older or in need of repair, consider upgrading to an ENERGY STAR-certified air-source heat pump. Heat pumps provide energy-efficient, high-performance heating and cooling that will help keep everyone comfortable all year long.

4. Seal the deal

Air leaks and drafty rooms result in uneven temperatures, reducing comfort and increasing the potential for renewed thermostat strife. Check for gaps in windows and exterior doors and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping. Other areas to look for leaks include recessed lighting fixtures in the attic, as well as exterior pipes, vents and wiring holes in the attic and basement. A home energy audit can help spot air leaks and other sources of energy waste that could be stressing your household budget.

By putting these strategies to work, you can save money and help everyone in your household live comfortably and happily ever after.

Interested in learning more ways to save energy? Learn More: takechargeva.com