Kathryn Yusoff | Who Wins the Thermostat Battle at Home?
- Update Time : 03:25:45 pm, Sunday, 17 November 2024
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Have you turned your heating on yet? If not, you’re one of the tough ones, as many people already have. But it’s not easy. As the weather gets colder, everyone faces a dilemma—how to keep warm without turning up the heating too much.
In the past few years, heating has become a major topic of discussion, especially with rising energy prices. A lot of people are now trying to save on energy costs, while others are battling over thermostat settings at home. Some have even resorted to extreme measures to stay warm, like wearing extra layers or using electric blankets. But, in the end, we all need to find the balance between staying warm and managing energy bills.
Let’s take a look at some of the issues we all face when it comes to heating our homes, and why the so-called “heating wars” are now a regular part of family life.
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The Challenge of Heating at Home
One of my friends, Clare, is a good example of someone who has taken drastic measures to avoid turning on the heating. She lives in a top-floor flat, which might make it easier to stay warmer, but she still keeps her heating off most of the time. Instead of using the thermostat, Clare has an electric blanket that she uses while watching TV, and she even keeps a hot water bottle tucked in her clothes to stay warm all day.
While Clare’s methods might sound extreme, she’s not the only one. Many of us are trying to cut back on energy use. A study found that about a quarter of people argue with their partners over thermostat settings. And about two-thirds of people constantly change the thermostat because someone else keeps fiddling with it.
These thermostat “wars” are becoming more common, and it seems like everyone is struggling to agree on the right temperature for the home. But why is it so hard to get the temperature right, and why are so many people fighting over it?
Smart Thermostats and Their Role in Heating Wars
The rise of smart thermostats like Nest and Hive has made it easier to control the temperature in our homes, but it’s also made the whole situation more complicated. With these devices, you can see the temperature in real time and make changes with just a few taps on your phone. This convenience has led to more frequent changes in temperature—especially when someone feels too cold or too hot.
The problem is that not everyone can agree on the perfect temperature. Some people are perfectly comfortable at 18 degrees Celsius, while others find that too chilly and prefer around 21 degrees. For some, anything below 21 feels like a deep freeze. But is there a “right” temperature for everyone?
For those of us living in old, drafty homes, like my Victorian flat, keeping the temperature just right can be a challenge. I personally keep my thermostat set to 18.5 degrees, but even that can feel too cold at times, especially in the dead of winter. I often check the temperature through my Hive app, and if it’s too warm or too cold, I’ll adjust it. But I know I’m not the only one obsessed with the perfect temperature.
How Much Heating is Too Much?
As more people are working from home, the question arises: is it okay to keep the heating on all day? Some reports suggest that many people are now returning to the office during the winter months just for the “free heating.” Running the heating all day can be expensive, and not everyone can afford that luxury.
Personally, I prefer using a wood stove to keep warm while I work from home. It’s a more sustainable option, and it adds a cozy vibe to my space. However, I know not everyone has the luxury of a stove, so the battle over thermostats continues. Should we leave the heating on all day? Or should we bundle up and try to save on energy bills?
The Heating Dilemma with Pets
The heating debate doesn’t stop at humans; even our pets are involved. Take my puppy, Dennis, for example. He sleeps in a crate in the spare room, where the radiator is always off. Even though he has plenty of cozy bedding, I sometimes wonder if I should turn on the heat for him. After all, he’s used to a warm home, and I don’t want him to be too cold.
One of my friends even pointed out, “Some dogs sleep outside!” And she’s right—some dogs do, but Dennis is hardly a typical outdoor dog. With his taste for venison biscuits and premium dog food, I’m not sure he’d survive in the backyard. So, should I turn on the radiator for him?
In the end, it’s a balance. Keeping pets warm without overdoing it with the heating is just another layer to the whole thermostat debate.
Finding a Balance Between Warmth and Energy Bills
So, what’s the solution? How do we avoid constant thermostat battles while also staying warm during the cold months? There are a few things we can all do to find the balance.
- Dress in Layers: I’m a big fan of wearing extra layers to stay warm. A thick sweater, some cozy socks, or even fingerless gloves can go a long way in keeping you warm without turning up the heat too much. I recommend checking out brands like Turtle Doves for recycled cashmere gloves, which are a great sustainable option.
- Use Space Heaters or Stoves: If you’re working from home and don’t want to run the heating all day, consider using a space heater or a stove. They provide warmth in a small area and are often more energy-efficient.
- Check Your Insulation: Make sure your home is well-insulated. If heat is constantly escaping, it might be worth investing in some upgrades to keep your space warm without cranking up the thermostat.
- Agree on a Set Temperature: If you live with others, try to agree on a set temperature that everyone can be comfortable with. This will help avoid those frustrating thermostat skirmishes.
- Limit Heating at Night: During the night, the temperature naturally drops, but you don’t need to keep the heating on all night. Use extra blankets or warm pajamas to stay cozy while you sleep.
Last words
Heating wars are a reality for many of us, whether we’re fighting with family members over the thermostat or trying to stay warm without increasing our energy bills. While smart thermostats have made it easier to control our home temperature, they’ve also made it more tempting to adjust the heat all the time. The key is finding a balance—between staying warm, saving energy, and avoiding endless thermostat debates.
As the winter months roll in, let’s all try to find that sweet spot, whether it’s through extra layers, space heaters, or simply agreeing on a common temperature. After all, keeping warm is something we all want—but we don’t have to fight about it!
