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

If you’re getting ready to go on vacation, your mind might go toward packing your suitcase and making sure any travel arrangements are in order. But you’ll also want to prepare the house for your time away as well. 

One typical question people share is this: What should I my thermostat to while I’m on vacation? Your hope might be to conserve energy, but don’t be tempted to completely turn off your HVAC system. The furnace or AC unit should still run a little to prevent excessive heat or cold, depending on the season. Here’s what you should learn about setting your thermostat when you leave for vacation. 

Preparing the Thermostat for a Summer Vacation 

If you’re taking a trip at the height of summer, you should expect the temperature inside your house to go up as it gets warmer outside each day. Without air conditioning, the temperature can rapidly top 90 degrees inside—not good news if you’re worried about fragile items. 

A good guideline is to adjust the thermostat 5 to 10 degrees higher than you ordinarily do during the day without exceeding 85 degrees. This is a good compromise between reducing energy and protecting your home’s interior. 

If you prefer a programmable or Wi-Fi thermostat, keep in mind that a “temporary” hold should return to your typical schedule at the next programmed time. So you need to use the “permanent” or “vacation” hold setting when going out of town to see to it that your chosen temperature sticks. 

Adjusting the Thermostat for a Winter Vacation 

To determine the perfect thermostat setting when taking a trip in the winter, follow the same method recommended above, but in the opposite direction—that is, adjust’ the temperature 5 to 10 degrees colder than you normally do during the day without slipping under 60 degrees. 

The most important reason to continue heating your home while you’re away is to prevent frozen pipes. Any plumbing that runs against exterior walls and inside unheated spaces is exposed to freezing. 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 flow around the pipes beneath your kitchen and bathroom sinks. You might also want to shut off the water at the main shut-off valve to prevent a plumbing disaster while you’re away on vacation. 

Preparing a Smart Thermostat Before Taking a Vacation 

If you don’t already own a Wi-Fi or “smart” thermostat, this may be a great time to upgrade. The latest innovations in thermostat technologies provide excellent benefits, both while you’re at home and on a trip. 

For instance, you can check in on the temperature remotely via your tablet or smartphone. Determine how often the AC or furnace has been turning on in your absence as it sustains the temperature you decided on before you left. If you’re unsatisfied with what you discover, you can control the thermostat from wherever with 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 notify you of sudden environmental shifts, including a higher-than-expected temperature or excess moisture while you’re away from home. 

Additional Vacation Recommendations 

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

• Consider any delicate paintings, electronics or houseplants that may be sensitive to hot or cold temperatures. 
• If you’re leaving pets at home or have arranged to have a house sitter visit, you might want to leave the temperature close to 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 out of your home. This also helps with privacy since it prevents prying eyes from peering inside while you’re away from home. 
• Request HVAC maintenance before you go to ensure your system operates correctly and is unlikely to suffer from any trouble while you’re gone. 

Call McKinley Heating Service Experts 

Whether you need to address thermostat-related questions or are looking to arrange for HVAC maintenance before your next vacation, the HVAC professionals at McKinley Heating Service Experts are here to support you. We can recommend a new thermostat for your needs and even install it and show you how to make the most of its features. Our services encompass all your HVAC requirements, from maintenance and repair to installation and replacement. Get in touch with us today to ask questions or request a visit from one of our experienced heating and cooling technicians.