As energy prices rise globally, many households in the United States and beyond are advised to heat only the rooms they occupy. However, research shows this approach can complicate energy savings. A study from the University of Michigan found that aggressive temperature reductions in unused rooms could increase total heating demand by up to 10% due to greater heat transfer between rooms. Similar findings emerged from a study at the University of Strathclyde in the UK, indicating that without proper zoning and insulation, allowing unused rooms to cool can lead to increased energy consumption. Behavioral factors also play a significant role; households without automated heating strategies may raise thermostat settings, leading to an increase in energy use of 7-12%. The consensus among researchers is that selective heating may work under optimal conditions, such as in well-insulated homes with smart thermostats. Therefore, the effectiveness of heating fewer rooms depends heavily on the home's insulation quality and heating management practices, rather than simply turning off heat in unused spaces.