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

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

One frequent question people share is this: What should I my thermostat to while on vacation? Your goal may 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 excessive heat or cold, depending on the season. Here’s what you need to know about setting your thermostat when you leave on vacation. 

Setting the Thermostat for a Summer Vacation 

If you’re traveling at the pinnacle of summer, you can expect the temperature inside your house to increase as it gets hotter outside each day. If you don’t have air conditioning, the temperature can easily exceed 90 degrees inside—not happy news if you’re concerned about sensitive possessions. 

A good rule of thumb is to increase 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 your home’s interior. 

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

Setting the Thermostat for a Winter Vacation 

To determine the ideal thermostat setting when traveling in the winter, follow the same method proposed above, but in reverse—that is, set the temperature 5 to 10 degrees lower than you normally do over the course of the day without falling below 60 degrees. 

The biggest reason to heat your home while you’re out of town is to prevent frozen pipes. Any plumbing that runs along exterior walls and inside unconditioned spaces is the most at risk. 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 move around the pipes under your kitchen and bathroom sinks. You may also want to turn off the water at the primary shut-off valve to prevent a plumbing disaster while you’re gone. 

Setting a Smart Thermostat Before Going on Vacation 

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

For instance, you can check in on the temperature remotely using your tablet or smartphone. Find out how often the AC or furnace has been running in your absence as it holds the temperature you set before you left. If you’re not happy 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 alert you of unforeseen environmental changes, such as a higher-than-expected temperature or excessive moisture while you’re away from home. 

More Vacation Recommendations 

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

• Consider any delicate paintings, electronics or houseplants that could be susceptible to high or low temperatures. 
• If you’re leaving pets at home or have arranged 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 conditions are 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 peering inside while you’re gone. 
• Schedule HVAC maintenance before you head out to ensure your system runs correctly and is unlikely to suffer from any issues while you’re out of town. 

Contact Wesley Wood Service Experts 

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