If your house is anything like ours, there’s always a playful back-and-forth over who gets the thermostat. One person sneaks over to bump it up a degree, someone else quietly nudges it back down… and before you know it, we’ve all taken a turn in the “thermostat wars.”
But here’s something we’ve been wondering too: do those tiny changes actually make a big difference on the heating bill? Honestly—not really. Still, there are a few habits that can help keep your home warm and your costs manageable as winter settles in.
1. Be a little strategic.
The Department of Energy suggests setting your thermostat around 68°F when you’re home and awake, then dropping it 7–10 degrees at night. That simple routine can shave as much as 10% off your yearly heating bill. Small effort, real payoff.
2. Programmable thermostats really do help.
Most modern thermostats can be set to warm things up when you’re home and ease back while you’re gone. It’s one of those “set it and forget it” wins—your home stays comfortable, your system doesn’t overwork, and you save without even thinking about it.
3. Skip the big heat blasts.
Cranking the thermostat to 80 when you’re cold sounds like it should help… but it doesn’t warm your home any faster. It just wastes energy. Let your system do its job at a steady pace—you’ll get there just the same.
4. Use the free heat we have.
On sunny winter days, open those blinds and let the sunlight do what it does best. A little natural warmth goes a long way. And once the sun sets, close everything back up to help keep the chill out.
Michigan winters may feel like the tundra some days, but a few simple thermostat habits can make your home feel warm, cozy, and cared for. Stay snug out there, friends!