The Truth About Cranking the Thermostat (It Doesn’t Work Like You Think)

Fighting over the thermostat temperature

Hey friend, let’s chat about thermostats the little boxes on our walls that somehow turn into

the epicenter of household drama. You know exactly what I'm talking about. Someone feels chilly, and suddenly they’re dialing the thermostat up to 85 degrees, hoping the heat rushes

in faster, like it's magically summoning sunshine from Hawaii. Or maybe it’s a sweltering summer day, and you're tempted to drop it down to 50 degrees as if it could teleport your house directly to the North Pole.

Did You Know?

• Thermostat Drama Costs Money:Constantly adjusting your thermostat by more than 5 degrees can spike your energy bill by up to 10-15%!

• Small Adjustments, Big Savings:Lowering your thermostat by just 1 degree during winter can save around 3% on heating costs.

• The Ideal Magic Number:The U.S. Department of Energy suggests 68°F in winter and 78°F in summer for optimal comfort and efficiency.

• Programmable Perks:Homes with programmable thermostats typically save $150–$200 each year.

• No Rush Mode:HVAC systems have no “fast-forward” setting cranking thermostats doesn't speed them up, it just empties your wallet faster.

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Let’s bust this myth right now: Does cranking the thermostat way up or way down heat or cool your home quicker?

Short answer: Nope. Sorry to burst that bubble!

Imagine your thermostat like an elevator button. We’ve all impatiently jabbed the "up" button repeatedly, hoping to summon the elevator faster but we all secretly know it doesn't actually work, right? The thermostat operates pretty much the same way. Turning it way up or down doesn't signal the HVAC system to sprint to the finish line. It just tells it to stay on longer until it hits that extreme setting you picked.

In plain English, your thermostat simply switches your HVAC system on or off. Cranking it to 90 degrees when you really want 72 doesn’t speed things up it just forces your furnace or AC to work harder and longer, burning extra energy (and money!) in the process.

Unfortunately, it won't get cozy quicker; it just makes the utility company smile when your next bill arrives.

And when it comes to cooling your home? Same story. Setting it super low doesn't create instant icebox vibes; it just keeps the AC grinding away, trying to achieve a temperature you'd only genuinely appreciate if you were actually a penguin.

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Here’s the simple truth behind your thermostat (minus the snooze-worthy details): HVAC systems typically have just two settings ON and OFF. There’s no "quick, she's cold, step on it!" mode. They just steadily work until your home reaches the set temperature.

Here’s my advice (and exactly what I do at my own house): pick a comfy temperature and let it be. If you're typically happy at around 70 degrees, set it there and walk away. You’ll not only avoid thermostat battles with the family but also keep your bills manageable. Seriously, why create unnecessary stress?

If you’re craving a bit more comfort (and peace in the house), consider a programmable thermostat. It learns your routines and gently warms or cools your home without you having to play thermostat tag. Think of it as your home's personal assistant quietly making everything comfy before you even notice you're uncomfortable. Pretty neat, right?

So, next time you find yourself reaching dramatically for the thermostat, remember there’s no fast-forward button here. Set it, forget it.