What Should I Set My Thermostat to When I’m on Vacation?
If you’re getting ready to go on vacation, your feelings might drift to packing your suitcase and seeing to it that all travel arrangements are in place. But don’t forget to prepare the house for your departure as well.
One frequent question people share is this: What will I need to]] {set my thermostat to while I’m on vacation? Your plan 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 prevent excessive heat or cold, depending on the season. Here’s what you should know 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 pinnacle of summer, you can expect the temperature inside your house to go up as it gets hotter outside each day. If you don’t have air conditioning, the temperature could quickly surpass 90 degrees inside—not exciting news if you’re concerned about fragile items. A good rule of thumb is to adjust the thermostat 5 to 10 degrees higher than you usually do during the day without reaching above 85 degrees. This is a great compromise between reducing energy and protecting the interior of your home. If you own a programmable or Wi-Fi thermostat, remember that a “temporary” hold will return to your regular schedule at the next programmed time. So you should try the “permanent” or “vacation” hold setting when going on vacation to see to it that your chosen temperature sticks.Setting the Thermostat for a Winter Vacation
To determine the best thermostat setting when taking a trip in the winter, use the same technique recommended above, but in reverse—that is, change the temperature 5 to 10 degrees colder than you normally do during the day without dropping lower than 60 degrees. The most important reason to keep your home warm while you’re out of town is to minimize the risk of frozen pipes. The plumbing that runs alongside exterior walls and inside unfinished spaces is the most at risk. Maintaining the temperature at 60 degrees or warmer lowers this risk. Another wise idea is to have the cupboard doors open to help warm air flow around the pipes underneath your kitchen and bathroom sinks. You may also want to shut off the water at the primary shut-off valve to avoid a plumbing emergency while you’re gone.Adjusting a Smart Thermostat Before Taking a Vacation
If you don’t already have a Wi-Fi or “smart” thermostat, this may be an ideal time to upgrade. The latest upgrades in thermostat technologies provide fantastic benefits, both while you’re at home and away. For instance, you can follow up on the temperature remotely via your tablet or smartphone. Determine how often the AC or furnace has been turning on in your absence as it sustains the temperature you chose before you left. If you’re unsatisfied with what you find, you can adjust the thermostat from anywhere using 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 more peace of mind, Wi-Fi thermostats alert you of unforeseen environmental changes, like a higher-than-expected temperature or excessive moisture while you’re out of the house.More Vacation Recommendations
Keep these things in mind to ensure your home is good to go before departing on your trip:-
- Remember any delicate paintings, electronics or houseplants that could be vulnerable to high or low temperatures.
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- If you’re leaving pets at home or have decided to have a house sitter visit, you may want to leave the temperature closer to normal—such as 80 degrees in the summer and 65 degrees in the winter—so the home is comfortable enough for them.
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- Close any window treatments to help keep the hot sun or cold winter air out of your home. This is also a good idea if you want privacy because it keeps prying eyes from peering inside while you’re away from home.
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- Request HVAC maintenance before you head out to ensure your system operates properly and is unlikely to suffer from any issues while you’re out of town.