To protect your thermostat from direct sun and prevent falsely high temperature readings, block the radiant heat before it hits the wall. You can do this by using window treatments to block sunlight, installing a protective shield or cabinet, or relocating the thermostat to a shadier, draft-free spot.
If the temperature sensors are already suffering from excessive heat, you can protect your thermostat from direct sunlight by closing curtains or drapes. Another way of minimizing sun exposure is putting plants in the way and stopping the sun rays from reaching the thermostat.
Here are some ways to camouflage an ugly thermostat that won't wreck your decor or compromise the energy efficiency of your home.
The best thermostat setting for summer vacation may be the same as the setting for when you're away at work. To save energy while you're away, set the thermostat 5-10 degrees warmer than what you have it set to when you're at home. So, if you usually keep the AC set at 75, set it at 80-85 degrees while you're away.
You really don't want to cover the thermostat. It will affect the heating and cooling of your home. You might be able to frame a decorative grill, but again it might affect your home's temperature.
One of the easiest ways to disguise your unattractive thermostat is to simply cover it up. The thermostat can be covered with an interesting painting, art print, wall art, or even a cool mirror. If you choose to cover the thermostat in this manner, you can simply hang the artwork on a nail above the thermostat.
Do not totally hide it - it isn't just a punchy thing - it IS the thermostat to tell you the temperature in your house. I see people do a cute picture frame around it on the wall and incorporate a collage wall. But DO NOT cover it. You can't really fully cover that or you're HVAC system won't work properly.
How cool should my house be if it's 100 outside? Your AC can typically cool about 20°F below the outdoor temperature, so if it's 100°F outside, maintaining 78–80°F indoors is reasonable.
It takes time for your home to warm up and cool down. If you're not sure how long it takes, try turning the heating on about 30 minutes before you need it. You should turn it off 30 minutes before you'll stop needing it.
The Amish beat summer heat by relying on time-tested passive cooling designs, strategic chore scheduling, and traditional heat-relief hacks. Because they avoid modern air conditioning, they use a blend of cultural practices and clever architecture to remain comfortable.
Tucking the thermostat behind a flower basket is the kind of clever detail that makes a home feel intentional.
During the holiday season, there may be a temptation to cover the thermostat with decorations to make the room more festive. However, this may reduce the free flow of air into the unit, which affects the accuracy of the thermostat.
3 Places You Should Never Install a Thermostat
Yes, putting aluminum foil on your windows can significantly help block solar heat. It works as a reflective barrier, bouncing the sun's rays away from your home before they can heat up the interior.
The sun can be blocked by various celestial bodies, atmospheric elements, physical structures, and personal gear. The method of obstruction dictates whether the blockage is temporary, localized, or affects the entire planet.
Many traditional Amish communities consider manufactured toilet paper an unnecessary luxury and use resource-saving alternatives instead. In outhouses, families often repurpose old newspapers, magazine pages, or catalogs (like the Sears and Roebuck catalog). To make the paper soft enough to use, they crumple it vigorously multiple times.
Yes, Amish people bathe regularly, though the frequency and methods vary significantly depending on the season, how physically active they are, and the strictness of their specific church district.
Summary: The Amish typically have their teeth pulled out by unlicensed dentists instead of incurring the high cost of dentistry. They perceive dentures as more cost effective and easier to maintain oral health.
In most homes, Heating and Cooling (HVAC) systems drive the highest energy costs, accounting for nearly 40% to 50% of your total electricity bill. Following these, the appliances that run up your bill the most include water heaters, refrigerators, and laundry machines.
Heating and energy expert Stephen Hankinson said that one "big energy cost saver" is to make sure you have your heating off when you're not at home. For instance, if you typically arrive home from work at around 6pm on weekdays, you could set your heating to activate just as you walk through the door.
What temperature should I set my thermostat? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a temperature of 18°C is suitable for healthy people who are appropriately dressed and 16°C for those with respiratory problems. As per the disabled, very old, sick people and very young, 20°C is the right indoor temperature.
Climate models indicate that 2026 will likely be about as hot as 2025, but potentially slightly cooler than some of the peak records set in previous years.
Many Amish homes are built with plenty of windows to help circulate the air and bring in the cooler overnight temperatures. They open the windows on the top floors to help the heat escape while the family retreats to the lower grounds within their homes for comfort.
These policy recommendations are aligned with many of the goals identified in the 2022 California Extreme Heat Action Plan (EHAP). The state should consider a general maximum safe indoor air temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit (27.8 degrees Celsius) for residential dwelling units.