6 Ways To Keep Everyone Cool When There’s A Battle Over The Thermostat This Summer

The thermostat can cause some serious tension during the summer months, especially if you live in a multigenerational household.

And as most of America deals with a dangerous July Fourth heat wave, the battle over the thermostat could be dicier than ever.

But it doesn’t have to. 

There are ways to ensure everyone stays comfortable at home this season, regardless of their age, health, and personal preferences.

With several practical, compromise-driven strategies, you and your loved ones can keep the peace, stay cool, and avoid sky-high energy bills.

Why disputes happen in the first place

Thermostat wars are definitely common in homes with people of different ages.

“Seniors get chilly because of their slower circulation and metabolism. Older adults are often cold, while young people tend to feel hot,” explains Dean Mahmoud, CEO of EcoGen America in Cherry Hill, NJ.

Additionally, bedrooms located upstairs tend to be several degrees warmer than those on the main level. 

A couple with a first-floor bedroom, for example, may be perfectly content with the thermostat temperature while a child might want to turn it down.

While there’s no perfect temperature that suits everyone, Glenn Gault, CEO of Gault Heating & Cooling in Hubbard, OH, explains that 74 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit is what most people find comfortable. 

“Some might need to wear socks, others might need to wear lighter clothes, but it's still comfortable in general,” Gault explains.

Thermostat tips to keep everyone happy 

Before any AC battle begins, make sure the system actually works well in the first place. 

“An HVAC maintenance check will help your system run efficiently and reduce the amount of energy needed to keep your house cool. In between professional maintenance visits, change air filters every few months. A clogged or dirty filter makes your AC unit work harder to push cold air through it,” says Ryan Gaddis, owner of Ryan's AC & Heating in Tomball, TX.

Once you know your system is in good shape, these expert tips can help reduce the risk of thermostat disputes:

1. Let fans do some of the heavy lifting

Even when your AC is running, a ceiling fan can come in handy.

“A ceiling fan that’s set counterclockwise helps distribute cooled air much more effectively and set the AC 2 to 4 degrees higher,” explains Gault.

This is one of the easiest ways to avoid setting the AC too low. 

2. Install remote sensors

Remote sensors are a very useful addition to your thermostat and are only about $30 to $40 each. 

Without remote sensors, your air conditioner will cool the house based on the temperature in the room where the thermostat is located. This is often problematic as most people install their thermostats in hallways where they don't spend much time. 

“With remote sensors, your AC cools based on the readings of the room that you set as a priority, which means the temperature is comfortable in the living areas where you and your family actually spend time,” Gault says.

3. Invest in a smart thermostat

Buy a smart thermostat with remote room sensors to more accurately measure room temperatures in various rooms and maintain a steady AC flow. 

“This helps the HVAC unit use energy more efficiently, instead of constantly raising or lowering the thermostat. It also keeps family members happy by keeping their bedroom temperature set to their liking,” says Gaddis.

You may spend anywhere between $80 to $300 on a smart thermostat, but its ability to end the arguing makes it well worth it.

4. Stop the sun before AC become an issue

There are a few ways to reduce the sun’s rays from entering your home and lighten the load on your AC.

“The simplest solution is thermal curtains and they cost around $100 to $200 per window, and the most effective solution is window film, which will run you about $200 to $400 per window,” explains Gault.

The film blocks sunlight and heat but, like sunglasses, doesn’t interfere with your ability to view outside.

5. Insulate the attic hatch

Your roof absorbs heat all day and radiates it into the attic. Through leaks in the hatch, that heat may eventually make its way into your living area through and start some fighting. 

The solution? Insulate the attic hatch, which is typically a square or rectangular panel you can lift out or push up. 

“Apply adhesive foam to where the hatch door rests and install an insulation cover you can buy for around $80 to $100,” Gault says.

6. Leverage personal cooling solutions

Give children and anyone else who runs hot small, personal-size fans or cooling towels.

And remember, summer can be sweater weather. 

“Encourage older adults to have a sweater or blanket available so they can warm up without overheating everyone else during mealtimes or whenever everyone is in the same room,” explains Gaddis.