What Should I Set My Thermostat to When I’m on Vacation? 

If you’re planning to go on vacation, your feelings might go toward packing your suitcase and ensuring any travel arrangements are ready to go. But remember to prepare the house for your departure as well. 

One typical question people have is this: What adjust my thermostat to while I’m on vacation? Your intention may be to conserve energy, but try and avoid completely turning off your HVAC system. The furnace or air conditioner should still run a little to avoid severe heat or cold, depending on the season. Here’s what you should know about setting your thermostat when you leave on vacation. 

Setting the Thermostat for a Summer Vacation 

If you’re traveling at the peak of summer, you should expect the temperature inside your house to go up as it gets hotter and hotter outside each day. Without air conditioning, the temperature may easily surpass 90 degrees inside—not good news if you’re stressed about fragile belongings. 

A good rule of thumb is to increase the thermostat 5 to 10 degrees higher than you normally do over the course of the day without going over 85 degrees. This is the perfect compromise between reducing energy and protecting your home’s interior. 

If you prefer a programmable or Wi-Fi thermostat, keep in mind that a “temporary” hold will resume your typical schedule at the next programmed time. So you should use the “permanent” or “vacation” hold setting when going out of town to ensure your chosen temperature sticks. 

Adjusting the Thermostat for a Winter Vacation 

To identify the perfect thermostat setting when traveling in the winter, follow the same method suggested above, but backward—that is, set the temperature 5 to 10 degrees cooler than you usually do during the day without falling lower than 60 degrees. 

The biggest reason to keep your home warm while you’re on vacation is to avoid frozen pipes. Any plumbing that runs near exterior walls and in unheated spaces is exposed to freezing. Maintaining the temperature at 60 degrees or up reduces this risk. Another great idea is to keep the cupboard doors open to help warm air move around the pipes beneath your kitchen and bathroom sinks. You might also want to shut off the water at the main shut-off valve to avoid a plumbing emergency while you’re gone. 

Preparing a Smart Thermostat Before Taking a Vacation 

If you don’t already have a Wi-Fi or “smart” thermostat, this could be a great time to upgrade. The latest advancements in thermostat technologies feature excellent benefits, both while you’re at home and away. 

As an example, you can check in on the temperature remotely using your tablet or smartphone. Verify how regularly the AC or furnace has been turning on in your absence as it maintains the temperature you chose before you left. If you’re not happy with what you discover, you can adjust the thermostat from anyplace using your internet-enabled device. You can even set a comfortable temperature to resume when you’re just about an hour away from home. 

For even better peace of mind, Wi-Fi thermostats alert you of sudden environmental shifts, including a higher-than-expected temperature or excess moisture while you’re gone. 

More Vacation Recommendations 

Keep these factors in mind to make sure your home is good to go before going on your trip: 

  • Consider any delicate paintings, electronics or houseplants that may be susceptible to extreme temperatures. 
  • If you’re leaving pets at home or have decided to have a house sitter stop by, you might want to leave the temperature about normal—such as 80 degrees in the summer and 65 degrees in the winter—so the conditions are comfortable enough for them. 
  • Close any window treatments to help keep the hot sun or cold winter air away from your home. This is also a privacy measure that stops prying eyes from taking a look inside while you’re away. 
  • Schedule HVAC maintenance before you go to ensure your system works efficiently and is unlikely to suffer from any issues while you’re away. 

Get in Touch with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing 

Whether you need to address thermostat-related questions or are hoping to request HVAC maintenance before your upcoming vacation, the HVAC experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing are here to help. We can recommend a new thermostat for your needs and even install it and teach you how to make the most of its features. Our services include all your HVAC needs, from maintenance and repair to installation and replacement. Call us today to raise questions or request a visit from one of our certified heating and cooling technicians. 

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