Co-living 101: Thermostat Wars: The Temperature Test

Q: Your roommate insists on keeping windows open instead of using the heater in winter. Is this reasonable?

No, unless everyone agrees and it's not too cold. Balanced and fair. Windows can stay open with group consent and reasonable temperatures, but comfort and costs need discussion.

Q: Is it fair for one roommate to control the thermostat because they pay more rent?

No, thermostat settings should be a group decision. Equitable and collaborative. Rent contributions don't grant control over shared spaces; group agreement ensures fairness.

5 Questions

By: The Platuni Team

03 Jun, 2025

Subscribeto our Newsletter

Share this via

1. Your roommate keeps setting the thermostat to 68°F, but you're freezing. What's the best way to address it?

Secretly adjust it to 75°F when they're not home

Suggest a compromise temperature, like 72°F, after discussing preferences

Ignore it and bundle up in layers

Turn off the heat entirely to make a point

2. Your housemate cranks the AC to 65°F during summer, spiking the electric bill. What's the best response?

Propose a higher AC setting, like 70°F, and discuss splitting the bill

Co-living 101: Thermostat Wars: The Temperature Test

1. Your roommate keeps setting the thermostat to 68°F, but you're freezing. What's the best way to address it?

Secretly adjust it to 75°F when they're not home

Suggest a compromise temperature, like 72°F, after discussing preferences

Ignore it and bundle up in layers

Turn off the heat entirely to make a point

2. Your housemate cranks the AC to 65°F during summer, spiking the electric bill. What's the best response?

Propose a higher AC setting, like 70°F, and discuss splitting the bill

Turn off the AC when they're out to save money

Pay the bill yourself to avoid conflict

Complain to other roommates to gang up on them

3. Your roommate insists on keeping windows open instead of using the heater in winter. Is this reasonable?

Yes, if it saves on heating costs

No, unless everyone agrees and it's not too cold

Only if they pay the entire heating bill

Only if the weather is above 60°F

4. Your housemate adjusts the thermostat every time they walk by, ignoring agreed settings. How should you handle it?

Put a lockbox on the thermostat to enforce the agreement

Remind them of the agreed temperature and ask why they keep changing it

Change it back every time without saying anything

Ignore it and adjust your clothing to cope

5. Is it fair for one roommate to control the thermostat because they pay more rent?

No, thermostat settings should be a group decision

Yes, higher rent gives them more say

Only if everyone else agrees to it

Only if they cover the utility bill