Thermostat Wars…

7:00 AM, family member 1 thinks the heat is too high and responds (passive aggressively) by turning the thermostat to 65 degrees.

9:00 AM, family member 2 is “freezing!” Changes the thermostat to 75 degrees.

1:00 PM, family member 1 says the house is “sweltering!” Drops the temperature to 63 degrees.

6:00 PM, family member 3 doesn’t get all the temperature swings and sets the thermostat to a comfortable 72.

10:00 PM, family member 2 is sick of being so cold at night and sets the thermostat to 79.

The whole process begins all over again in the morning…

Does this sound familiar? We want to help you keep your house (and your sanity) at its optimal temperature this winter. So, what temperature should you set your thermostat to this winter?

Well, we’re half-tempted to tell you to turn the heat and AC off and just put on a sweater (or a tank top) to keep yourself comfortable.

In reality, we would simply suggest leaving the temperature as high in the summer and as low as you can in the winter while still feeling cozy. There’s no magic number here, sorry.

The fact is you’re paying for every push of hot or cold air coming from your HVAC. If saving money is a priority then in the summer, go high, and in the winter, go low.

If comfort is a top priority, we recommend having a family meeting, maybe with a mediator (only kidding, sort of…), and coming up with a compromise that can make everyone happy.

The bottom line is that there is no single temperature that the thermostat should be set to in winter because each home is different and provides different air coverage and each family (and family member) has different preferences. An optimal range could be from 68-72 degrees.

But what if there were a magical, or technological, solution that could end the Thermostat Wars once and for all?

Ta-da! Smart thermostats!

Smart thermostats can be controlled with any smart device. You can program your desired temperature for the time of day. Some smart thermostats even have ‘geofencing’ which recognizes when you’re away from home and automatically adjusts the temperature. They can also have features that learn your family’s habits and preferences to create a thermostat schedule.

One of the biggest draws to consider a smart thermostat is that they can save you money by automating temperature in your home. Another draw is that they can be a more moderate and objective source of temperature control so you don’t have to keep up the ongoing thermostat battle.

So, all in all, our takeaway for you this winter is to play a game of thermostat limbo. “How low can you go?” Ideally, somewhere between 68-72 degrees. But if some family members want it much warmer, figure out a compromise. And if you haven’t made the switch already, consider a smart thermostat. We can help you choose which one is right for you.

Stay warm!