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

If you’re getting ready to go on vacation, your mind might focus on packing your suitcase and seeing to it that all travel arrangements are ready to go. But you’ll also want to prepare the house for your time away as well. 

One common question people ask is this: What adjust my thermostat to while I’m gone? Your goal might be to save money, but don’t be tempted to completely turn off your HVAC system. The furnace or air conditioner needs to run a little to minimize excessive heat or cold, depending on the season. Here’s what you need to learn about setting your thermostat when you are gone on vacation. 

Preparing the Thermostat for a Summer Vacation 

If you’re taking a trip at the height of summer, you can expect the temperature inside your house to increase as it gets warmer outside each day. If you don’t have air conditioning, the temperature can rapidly exceed 90 degrees inside—not good news if you’re stressed about delicate items. 

A good rule of thumb is to increase the thermostat 5 to 10 degrees warmer than you ordinarily do throughout the day without exceeding 85 degrees. This is an ideal compromise between conserving energy and protecting your home’s interior. 

If you own a programmable or Wi-Fi thermostat, keep in mind that a “temporary” hold is supposed to continue your typical schedule at the next programmed time. So you need to try the “permanent” or “vacation” hold setting when you’re on vacation to make sure your desired temperature sticks. 

Adjusting the Thermostat for a Winter Vacation 

To identify the perfect thermostat setting when on vacation in the winter, follow the same method suggested above, but in reverse—that is, change the temperature 5 to 10 degrees lower than you usually do during the day without dropping lower than 60 degrees. 

The most significant reason to continue heating your home while you’re out of town is to prevent frozen pipes. The plumbing that runs against exterior walls and inside unfinished spaces is the most at risk. Holding the temperature at 60 degrees or warmer reduces this risk. Another wise idea is to keep the cupboard doors open to help warm air circulate around the pipes under the kitchen and bathroom sinks. You may also want to turn off the water at the primary shut-off valve to protect against a plumbing disaster while you’re away. 

Adjusting a Smart Thermostat Before Leaving for Vacation 

If you don’t already own a Wi-Fi or “smart” thermostat, this may be a great time to upgrade. The latest upgrades in thermostat systems feature fantastic benefits, both while you’re at home and on vacation. 

For instance, you can check on the temperature remotely with your tablet or smartphone. Verify how regularly the AC or furnace has been active in your absence as it holds the temperature you decided on before you left. If you’re unsatisfied with what you see, you can change the thermostat from anywhere with your internet-enabled device. You can even set a comfortable temperature that will resume when you’re close to an hour away from home. 

For even better peace of mind, Wi-Fi thermostats notify you of unexpected environmental shifts, such as a higher-than-expected temperature or excess moisture while you’re away from home. 

More Vacation Recommendations 

Keep these things in mind to see to it that your home is good to go before departing on your trip: 

• Don’t forget about any delicate paintings, electronics or houseplants that could be sensitive to extreme temperatures. 
• If you’re leaving pets at home or have planned to have a house sitter come by, 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 conditions are comfortable enough for them. 
• Shut the blinds and curtains to help keep the hot sun or cold winter air outside of your home. This also helps with privacy since it prevents prying eyes from taking a look inside while you’re gone. 
• Schedule HVAC maintenance before you head out to ensure your system operates correctly and is unlikely to encounter any problems while you’re out of town. 

Get in Touch with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning 

Whether you need to address thermostat-related questions or are hoping to arrange for HVAC maintenance before your tropical vacation, the HVAC professionals at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning are here to help. We can point you to a new thermostat for your needs and even install it and teach you how it works. Our services cover all your HVAC goals, from maintenance and repair to installation and replacement. Get in touch with us today to ask questions or schedule a visit from one of our experienced heating and cooling technicians.