As you prepare to head out on your next trip, you may be wondering what temperature to set your thermostat to while on vacation. While many consider turning their thermostat off completely, this can do more harm than good. Keeping your home in the right temperature range ensures it stays comfortable and safe while you’re enjoying your time away. Read on to discover the best settings for winter and summer vacations and how upgrading your thermostat can help minimize the hassle.
Winter Vacation Advice to Prevent Your Pipes From Freezing
Whether you’re escaping the cold or heading out on a ski trip, it’s essential to set your thermostat to the right temperature during a winter vacation to prevent your pipes from freezing. Letting your home get too cold while you’re away can cause the water in your pipes to freeze, resulting in leaks, cracks, and bursts.
When traveling during the winter, set the temperature in your home five to ten degrees colder than usual without letting it fall below 60 degrees. For example, if you usually keep your home at 75 degrees, set the temperature between 65 and 70 degrees while away. Before leaving, open your cupboard doors to allow warm air to circulate the pipes.
Summer Vacation Settings for Optimal Savings
There’s nothing worse than returning from a fun summer vacation to your home scorching or your fragile items warped by excessive heat. While many think that turning off their thermostat when they leave during the summer will help keep energy costs low, it can actually have detrimental effects.
Instead of turning your thermostat off, set it five to 10 degrees warmer than usual, without exceeding 85 degrees. Keeping it below this temperature will maximize energy savings while protecting your home from excessive heat and humidity.
Benefits of Upgrading Your Thermostat
If your home features an older thermostat that requires you to move a dial to adjust it manually, it may be time to upgrade to a newer model. Many homeowners are moving towards programmable or smart thermostats for easier adjustments and peace of mind. Discover the benefits of these thermostats below to see if they’re right for your home.
Programmable Thermostats
Programmable thermostats allow you to set a schedule for your heating and cooling system to automatically adjust the temperature throughout the day. For instance, you can set it to lower the temperature while you sleep and rise when you usually wake up. Before leaving for vacation, you can set it to your ‘away’ temperature and have it adjust right before you return. You’ll save money on your energy bill by lowering your energy usage and keeping your home at a comfortable temperature throughout the day.
Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats are controlled via Wi-Fi, allowing you to adjust your home temperature from anywhere. These thermostats typically connect to an app on your smartphone or computer, where you can adjust the temperature, set a heating and cooling schedule, and monitor energy usage. You’ll be able to monitor your home temperature and make adjustments remotely, whether at work, on vacation, or running errands. Many smart thermostats also send warnings if it gets too warm or too cool, keeping you in the loop if your home is at risk of damaging temperatures.
Additional Vacation Preparation Tips
In addition to setting your thermostat to the correct temperature, there are a few other steps to take before heading out on your next vacation. Consider the following tips to keep your home and belongings safe while away:
- If you’re leaving pets at home with a house sitter, keep the temperature closer to normal to ensure they’re comfortable.
- Shut blinds and drapes to prevent outside heat or cold from affecting your space and making your HVAC system work harder.
- Schedule a professional HVAC maintenance appointment to ensure your system works properly and avoid issues while away.
- Before leaving, replace the air filter in your HVAC system to keep it running smoothly and prevent dirty air from circulating in your home.
- If you’re leaving for an extended period, turn off the main water supply to avoid unexpected leaks and water damage.
- Unplug unnecessary electronics, such as TVs, chargers, and appliances, to reduce energy use and prevent electrical hazards.
- Most water heaters feature a ‘vacation’ setting. Turn this on before you leave to stop your system from heating unnecessary water while you’re away.
Call the Pros at G&R Heating and Air for HVAC Service in Illinois!
Whether you’re looking to schedule HVAC maintenance before your next trip or want to upgrade a smart thermostat, the team at G&R Heating and Air is here to help! Our experts offer comprehensive heating and cooling services throughout the entire Chicagoland area. From routine maintenance to complete system upgrades, we ensure your system runs smoothly, keeping your home comfortable year-round.
Call us or book online to schedule your HVAC service today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I adjust the temperature differently for a short vs. long vacation?
If you’re leaving for a quick trip under three to five days, keep your thermostat within a few degrees of the normal temperature. You can make more significant adjustments for vacations lasting more than five days to minimize energy use while away. Just ensure you always keep the temperature above 65 degrees in the winter and below 85 degrees in the summer.
Can I turn my HVAC off completely while on vacation?
It’s best to keep your HVAC system running, even when away. Shutting it off entirely can cause your pipes to freeze and even burst in the winter, or excessive heat to damage your belongings in the summer. Adjusting your thermostat to the correct setting while you’re on vacation will prevent these issues while keeping your energy usage low.
