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

If you’re preparing to go on vacation, your mind might lean toward packing your suitcase and seeing to it that all your travel arrangements are in place. But you’ll also want to prepare the house for your departure as well. 

One common question people have 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. 

Adjusting the Thermostat for a Summer Vacation 

If you’re traveling at the peak of summer, you can expect the temperature inside your house to increase as it gets hotter outside each day. Without air conditioning, the temperature could quickly exceed 90 degrees inside—not happy news if you’re concerned about sensitive possessions. 

A good rule of thumb is to adjust 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 everything inside your home. 

If you have a programmable or Wi-Fi thermostat, remember that a “temporary” hold is supposed to resume your standard schedule at the next programmed time. So you should select 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 recommended above, but backward—that is, set the temperature 5 to 10 degrees lower than you generally do during the day without falling below 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 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 circulate around the pipes under your kitchen and bathroom sinks. You will also want to turn off the water at the central shut-off valve to prevent a plumbing emergency while you’re away on vacation. 

Adjusting a Smart Thermostat Before Going on 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 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 often the AC or furnace has been turning on in your absence as it maintains the temperature you set before you left. If you’re not happy with what you see, you can adjust the thermostat from anyplace using your internet-enabled device. You can even set a comfortable temperature to resume when you’re about an hour away from home. 

For even more 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. 

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 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 about 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 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 efficiently and is unlikely to experience any problems while you’re out of town. 

Contact Donelson Air Service Experts 

Whether you need to address thermostat-related questions or are looking to arrange for HVAC maintenance before your upcoming vacation, the HVAC experts at Donelson Air 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 share questions or schedule a visit from one of our qualified heating and cooling technicians.