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

If you’re planning to take a vacation, your feelings might go toward packing your suitcase and seeing to it that any travel arrangements are in place. But don’t forget to prepare the house for your time away as well. 

One frequent question people have is this: What can I my thermostat to while I’m gone? Your goal might be to conserve energy, but don’t be tempted to completely turn off your HVAC system. The furnace or AC system should still run a little to avoid severe heat or cold, depending on the season. Here’s what you have to consider about setting your thermostat when you are gone on vacation. 

Setting the Thermostat for a Summer Vacation 

If you’re traveling at the height of summer, you can expect the temperature inside your house to increase as it gets hotter and hotter outside each day. If you don’t have air conditioning, the temperature can quickly top 90 degrees inside—not exciting news if you’re worried about fragile belongings. 

A good guideline is to raise the thermostat 5 to 10 degrees higher than you usually do throughout the day without exceeding 85 degrees. This is the perfect compromise between reducing energy and protecting the interior of your home. 

If you own a programmable or Wi-Fi thermostat, don’t forget that a “temporary” hold is supposed to resume your standard schedule at the next programmed time. So you have to try the “permanent” or “vacation” hold setting when going out of town to make sure your preferred temperature sticks. 

Preparing the Thermostat for a Winter Vacation 

To identify the perfect thermostat setting when taking a trip in the winter, use the same means proposed above, but in reverse—that is, change the temperature 5 to 10 degrees colder than you normally do over the course of the day without slipping lower than 60 degrees. 

The most significant reason to keep your home warm while you’re out of town is to minimize the risk of frozen pipes. Any plumbing that runs alongside exterior walls and through unconditioned spaces is at risk. Holding the temperature at 60 degrees or warmer reduces this risk. Another good idea is to have the cupboard doors open to help warm air circulate around the pipes under the kitchen and bathroom sinks. You might also want to shut off the water at the primary shut-off valve to avoid a plumbing emergency while you’re away on vacation. 

Adjusting a Smart Thermostat Before Going on Vacation 

If you don’t already use a Wi-Fi or “smart” thermostat, this can be a wonderful time to upgrade. The latest enhancements in thermostat technology provide excellent benefits, both while you’re at home and away. 

For instance, you can check on the temperature remotely via your tablet or smartphone. Find out how regularly the AC or furnace has been running in your absence as it sustains the temperature you decided on before you left. If you’re unsatisfied with what you discover, you can control the thermostat from wherever via your internet-enabled device. You can even set a comfortable temperature that will 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 changes, such as a higher-than-expected temperature or excess moisture while you’re gone. 

More Vacation Recommendations 

Keep these things in mind to ensure your home is good to go before going on your trip: 

  • Don’t forget about any delicate paintings, electronics or houseplants that may be vulnerable to high or low temperatures. 
  • If you’re leaving pets at home or have arranged to have a house sitter visit, you might want to leave the temperature closer to normal—such as 80 degrees in the summer and 65 degrees in the winter—so the environment is comfortable enough for them. 
  • Shut your blinds and drapes 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 looking inside while you’re absent. 
  • Schedule HVAC maintenance before you go to ensure your system works efficiently and is unlikely to suffer from any problems while you’re gone. 

Contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing 

Whether you have thermostat-related questions or are hoping to request HVAC maintenance before your tropical vacation, the HVAC experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing are here to support you. We can recommend a new thermostat for your needs and even install it and show you how to use it. Our services encompass all your HVAC preferences, from maintenance and repair to installation and replacement. Call us today to raise questions or set up a visit from one of our certified heating and cooling technicians. 

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