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

If you’re getting ready to go on vacation, your thoughts might lean toward packing your suitcase and making sure all your travel arrangements are in order. But don’t forget to prepare the house for your departure as well. 

One typical question people have is this: What should I my thermostat to while on vacation? Your goal will often be to save money, but don’t be tempted to completely turn off your HVAC system. The furnace or air conditioner still needs to run a little to avoid severe heat or cold, depending on the season. Here’s what you need to know about setting your thermostat when you leave on vacation. 

Adjusting the Thermostat for a Summer Vacation 

If you’re taking a trip at the peak 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 may rapidly exceed 90 degrees inside—not good news if you’re concerned about sensitive items. 

A good rule of thumb is to raise the thermostat 5 to 10 degrees higher than you usually do over the course of the day without exceeding 85 degrees. This is the perfect compromise between saving energy and protecting the interior of your home. 

If you have a programmable or Wi-Fi thermostat, remember that a “temporary” hold will continue your regular schedule at the next programmed time. So you have to use the “permanent” or “vacation” hold setting when going out of town to make sure your chosen temperature sticks. 

Adjusting the Thermostat for a Winter Vacation 

To determine the ideal thermostat setting when taking a trip in the winter, follow the same method suggested above, but in reverse—that is, set the temperature 5 to 10 degrees lower than you generally do over the course of the day without falling under 60 degrees. 

The biggest reason to heat your home while you’re on vacation is to avoid frozen pipes. Any plumbing that runs along exterior walls and through unconditioned spaces is exposed to freezing. Keeping the temperature at 60 degrees or higher reduces this risk. Another wise idea is to leave the cupboard doors open to help warm air circulate around the pipes underneath your kitchen and bathroom sinks. You might also want to turn off the water at the main shut-off valve to prevent a plumbing crisis while you’re away. 

Adjusting a Smart Thermostat Before Going on Vacation 

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

For example, you can check in on the temperature remotely using your tablet or smartphone. Find out how regularly the AC or furnace has been running in your absence as it sustains the temperature you set before you left. If you’re not happy with what you find, you can adjust the thermostat from anyplace using your internet-enabled device. You can even set a comfortable temperature that will resume when you’re about an hour away from home. 

For even better peace of mind, Wi-Fi thermostats alert you of unforeseen environmental changes, including a higher-than-expected temperature or excessive moisture while you’re away from home. 

Other Vacation Recommendations 

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

• Consider any delicate paintings, electronics or houseplants that could be vulnerable to hot or cold temperatures. 
• If you’re leaving pets at home or have decided to have a house sitter stop by, 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. 
• Close the blinds and curtains to help keep the hot sun or cold winter air out of your home. This is also a privacy measure that prevents prying eyes from taking a look inside while you’re gone. 
• Schedule HVAC maintenance before you leave to ensure your system runs properly and is unlikely to suffer from any issues while you’re out of town. 

Contact Atmostemp Service Experts 

Whether you want to ask thermostat-related questions or are wanting to schedule HVAC maintenance before your tropical vacation, the HVAC pros at Atmostemp Service Experts are here to assist. We can point you to a new thermostat for your needs and even install it and show you how it works. Our services cover all your HVAC needs, from maintenance and repair to installation and replacement. Call us today to share questions or schedule a visit from one of our qualified heating and cooling technicians.