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 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 excessive heat or cold, depending on the season. Here’s what you have to know about setting your thermostat when you leave on vacation. 

Setting the Thermostat for a Summer Vacation 

If you’re on vacation 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 during 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 typical schedule at the next programmed time. So you need to select 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 taking a trip in the winter, follow the same method proposed above, but in reverse—that is, set the temperature 5 to 10 degrees lower than you usually do during the day without falling under 60 degrees. 

The biggest reason to heat your home while you’re away is to prevent frozen pipes. Any plumbing that runs along exterior walls and in unfinished 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 may also want to turn off the water at the main shut-off valve to prevent a plumbing emergency while you’re gone. 

Setting a Smart Thermostat Before Going on Vacation 

If you don’t already have a Wi-Fi or “smart” thermostat, this may be a great time to upgrade. The latest advancements in thermostat technology provide excellent 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 regularly 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 anywhere 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 shifts, such as a higher-than-expected temperature or excessive moisture while you’re away from home. 

Additional 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 sensitive 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 environment 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 good idea if you want privacy because it prevents prying eyes from peering inside while you’re gone. 
• Schedule HVAC maintenance before you leave to ensure your system operates properly and is unlikely to experience any issues while you’re out of town. 

Contact BW/Cook Service Experts 

Whether you have thermostat-related questions or are hoping to request HVAC maintenance before your next vacation, the HVAC professionals at BW/Cook Service Experts are here to help. We can suggest a new thermostat for your needs and even install it and show you how it works. Our services encompass all your HVAC needs, from maintenance and repair to installation and replacement. Contact us today to ask questions or set up a visit from one of our qualified heating and cooling technicians.