I Stopped Adjusting the Thermostat During Cold Snaps – HVAC Experts Say Panic Heating Can Cost You More

Small and cozy eclectic colorful living room with alcove shelving filled with books, orange and blue velvet sofas, and large black and white geometric artwork on the wall. There is a bright window and a coffee table with books and a vase of flowers.

As the bitter winter weather starts to bite and temperatures outside plummet further, it’s natural to want to crank your thermostat up even higher to keep up. In the past, this is exactly what I have done.

But HVAC pros warn this outdated heating myth is actually spiking your bills for no gain, and in fact, only wasting energy. That's why I've stopped adjusting my smart thermostat and letting my HVAC system work in tandem with it as it should. We've been exceptionally comfortable for the last six weeks as a result.