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

If you’re planning to leave for vacation, your thoughts might go toward packing your suitcase and making sure any travel arrangements are ready to go. But you’ll also want to prepare the house for your time away as well. 

One frequent question people ask is this: What should 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 air conditioner still needs to run a little to minimize excessive heat or cold, depending on the season. Here’s what you need to know about setting your thermostat when you leave for vacation. 

Setting the Thermostat for a Summer Vacation 

If you’re traveling at the height of summer, you can generally 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 could rapidly exceed 90 degrees inside—not good news if you’re concerned about sensitive items. 

A good guideline is to increase the thermostat 5 to 10 degrees higher than you usually do over the course of the day without reaching above 85 degrees. This is a great compromise between reducing energy and protecting your home’s interior. 

If you have a programmable or Wi-Fi thermostat, don’t forget that a “temporary” hold should resume your regular schedule at the next programmed time. So you should use the “permanent” or “vacation” hold setting when you’re on vacation to make sure your chosen temperature sticks. 

Setting the Thermostat for a Winter Vacation 

To determine the perfect thermostat setting when on vacation in the winter, use the same technique suggested above, but in reverse—that is, adjust’ the temperature 5 to 10 degrees colder than you generally do during the day without slipping below 60 degrees. 

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

Adjusting a Smart Thermostat Before Going on Vacation 

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

As an example, you can check on the temperature remotely via your tablet or smartphone. Determine how regularly the AC or furnace has been turning on in your absence as it sustains the temperature you decided on before you left. If you’re unsatisfied with what you see, you can adjust the thermostat from anyplace via your internet-enabled device. You can even set a comfortable temperature to resume when you’re about an hour away from home. 

For even greater peace of mind, Wi-Fi thermostats warn you of sudden environmental changes, including a higher-than-expected temperature or increased moisture while you’re away from home. 

More Vacation Recommendations 

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

• Consider any delicate paintings, electronics or houseplants that can be sensitive to hot or cold 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 closer to normal—such as 80 degrees in the summer and 65 degrees in the winter—so the home is comfortable enough for them. 
• Shut the blinds and curtains 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 prevents 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 encounter any problems while you’re out of town. 

Call A1 Chesney Service Experts 

Whether you have thermostat-related questions or are looking to arrange for HVAC maintenance before your tropical vacation, the HVAC experts at A1 Chesney Service Experts are here to assist. We can recommend a new thermostat for your needs and even install it and demonstrate how it works. Our services cover all your HVAC goals, from maintenance and repair to installation and replacement. Call us today to raise questions or schedule a visit from one of our experienced heating and cooling technicians.