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

If you’re getting ready to leave for vacation, your mind might drift to packing your suitcase and ensuring all your travel arrangements are ready to go. But remember to prepare the house for your time away as well. 

One common question people share is this: What can I my thermostat to while I’m on vacation? Your intention might be to reduce costs, but you’ll still want to avoid turning off your HVAC system. The furnace or AC system still needs to run a little to avoid extreme heat or cold, depending on the season. Here’s what you should know about setting your thermostat when you leave for vacation. 

Setting the Thermostat for a Summer Vacation 

If you’re taking a trip at the pinnacle of summer, you can generally expect the temperature inside your house to increase as it gets hotter outside each day. Without air conditioning, the temperature could easily surpass 90 degrees inside—not happy news if you’re stressed about delicate possessions. 

A good rule of thumb is to increase the thermostat 5 to 10 degrees warmer than you ordinarily do during the day without exceeding 85 degrees. This is a good compromise between reducing energy and protecting everything inside your home. 

If you have a programmable or Wi-Fi thermostat, keep in mind that a “temporary” hold is supposed to resume your standard schedule at the next programmed time. So you need to try the “permanent” or “vacation” hold setting when you’re on vacation to make sure your chosen temperature sticks. 

Adjusting the Thermostat for a Winter Vacation 

To decide the ideal thermostat setting when taking a trip in the winter, implement the same method suggested above, but in the opposite direction—that is, adjust’ the temperature 5 to 10 degrees lower than you usually do over the course of the day without slipping below 60 degrees. 

The biggest reason to keep your home warm while you’re out of town is to avoid frozen pipes. Your plumbing that runs near exterior walls and through unconditioned spaces is at risk. Holding the temperature at 60 degrees or warmer limits 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 might also want to turn off the water at the central shut-off valve to protect against a plumbing emergency while you’re away on vacation. 

Adjusting a Smart Thermostat Before Taking a Vacation 

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

As an example, you can check in on the temperature remotely via your tablet or smartphone. Verify how often the AC or furnace has been running in your absence as it maintains the temperature you chose before you left. If you’re not happy with what you discover, you can change the thermostat from anywhere via your internet-enabled device. You can even set a comfortable temperature to resume when you’re close to an hour away from home. 

For even more peace of mind, Wi-Fi thermostats notify you of sudden environmental shifts, like a higher-than-expected temperature or increased moisture while you’re gone. 

More Vacation Recommendations 

Keep these things in mind to see to it that your home is good to go before departing on your trip: 

• Remember any delicate paintings, electronics or houseplants that can be sensitive to high or low temperatures. 
• If you’re leaving pets at home or have decided to have a house sitter visit, you may want to leave the temperature about normal—such as 80 degrees in the summer and 65 degrees in the winter—so the home is comfortable enough for them. 
• Close any window treatments to help keep the hot sun or cold winter air away from your home. This is also a good idea if you want privacy because it stops prying eyes from taking a look inside while you’re away. 
• Schedule HVAC maintenance before you leave to make sure your system works efficiently and is unlikely to suffer from any issues while you’re away. 

Get in Touch with Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts 

Whether you need to address thermostat-related questions or are looking to arrange for HVAC maintenance before your next vacation, the HVAC experts at Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts are here to assist. We can recommend a new thermostat for your needs and even install it and teach you how to use it. Our services include all your HVAC goals, from maintenance and repair to installation and replacement. Call us today to share questions or request a visit from one of our qualified heating and cooling technicians.