What Temperature Setting Should I use for my Thermostat while away?

When getting ready to go on vacation, your thoughts may turn to packing your bag and making sure all of your travel plans are in order. But you should also get the house ready for your time away.

"What temperature should I set my thermostat to while I'm away?" is a popular query. Even though saving energy may be your objective, resist the urge to fully turn off your HVAC system. Depending on the season, the furnace or AC unit still has to operate a little to reduce extreme heat or cold. What you need to know about adjusting your thermostat while on vacation is provided below.

Thermostat preparation for a summer vacation

When traveling in the height of summer, you should be prepared for your home's temperature to rise as the outside temperature rises each day. Without air conditioning, the temperature inside can rapidly rise above 90 degrees, which is bad news if you're worried about your fragile belongings.

A reasonable rule of thumb is to set the thermostat 5 to 10 degrees warmer than usual during the day but avoid exceeding 85 degrees. This strikes the ideal balance between conserving energy and safeguarding your home's interior.

Don't forget that a "temporary" hold will reset your regular schedule at the next preset time if you use a programmable or Wi-Fi thermostat. To ensure that your preferred temperature remains when you're on vacation, use the "permanent" or "vacation" hold option.

Thermostat setting for a winter vacation

Follow the same procedure outlined above but in the other direction to determine the appropriate thermostat setting when on vacation in the winter. Set the temperature 5 to 10 degrees cooler than usual during the day without going below 60 degrees.

Preventing frozen pipes is the main reason for heating your house while you're away. Your plumbing that runs inside unheated chambers and along exterior walls is in danger. This risk is reduced by keeping the temperature at 60 degrees or higher. It's also a fantastic idea to leave the cabinet doors open to let warm air circulate around the pipes under the kitchen and bathroom sinks. To avoid a plumbing emergency while you're away, you should also turn off the water at the main shut-off valve.

Setting Up a Smart Thermostat in Advance of a Vacation

This could be a great moment to change your thermostat if you don't already have Wi-Fi or a "smart" one. The newest advancements in thermostat technology offer fantastic advantages while you're at home or away.

For instance, you can use your tablet or smartphone to check the temperature remotely. Determine how frequently the furnace or air conditioner has been operating while you were away so it can maintain the temperature you selected before you left. If you're not satisfied with what you find, you can use your internet-capable smartphone to change the thermostat from anywhere. When you are just a little over an hour from home, you can even program a pleasant temperature to continue.

For even more peace of mind, Wi-Fi thermostats can notify you of unexpected environmental changes while you're away from homes, such as a higher-than-expected temperature or an abundance of wetness.

Additional Vacation Suggestions

Before leaving on your trip, make sure your house is ready by keeping the following in mind:

• Keep in mind any precious artwork, gadgets, or houseplants that can be sensitive to extremes of heat or cold.
• You may want to keep the temperature around normal—80 degrees in the summer and 65 degrees in the winter—if you're leaving pets at home or have decided to have a house sitter visit. This will ensure that they will be comfortable.
• Close your blinds and drapes to help keep the scorching sun or chilly winter air out of your home. This is also a smart move if you value your privacy because it keeps nosy neighbors from peeping inside while you're away.
• To ensure that your HVAC system runs effectively and is unlikely to experience any problems while you are away, request maintenance before you depart.