Before you depart for summer vacation, make sure your home is perfectly set up so it stays comfortable and you don’t come back to a stuffy or freezing house.
You can achieve this by setting your thermostat slightly higher or lower than usual, depending on the outside temperature and how long you’re away. This is an efficient solution that saves energy while protecting your home at the same time.
Lower the Temperature
If you’re taking a vacation or leaving for another destination, it is essential to take steps to conserve energy while away. Doing this can save both money and energy on your utility bill when you return.
First and foremost, make sure your HVAC system is running as little as possible while you’re gone. This will reduce energy usage and keep your home cooler, helping save you money on utility bills while you are gone.
Another way to save energy while you’re away is by turning off any devices in standby mode (TVs, stereos, and even your microwave). These consume a lot of electricity when not in use and can add up to an expensive addition to your power bill when they aren’t.
While away on vacation, set your thermostat to a lower temperature than usual while at home. This will save you energy and keep the house cooler, helping prevent mildew and mold growth in your absence.
As a general guideline, set your thermostat to an indoor temperature of 80 degrees while you’re gone. Doing this helps prevent excessive humidity in your home which can damage furnishings and other items sensitive to humidity.
Additionally, set your thermostat to a higher temperature than usual while away on vacation if you have pets or if they will be staying home with you. Pets tend to become overheated easily which could lead to skin issues and other discomforts.
If your older or sick pets must remain indoors for their safety and comfort while you’re away on vacation, set your thermostat to a higher temperature. Doing this helps avoid them becoming overheated which could lead to heat stroke or other health complications.
It is wise to ensure your water pipes don’t freeze while away on vacation. Frozen pipes can lead to serious plumbing problems and, if you have a water heater, it may need to be turned off for the duration of your journey.
If you’re taking a long-term vacation during the winter, setting your thermostat to about 55 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended. This will keep your furnace from operating excessively and also protect the pipes from freezing and bursting.
Though it may seem tedious to make these small adjustments while away, they will benefit your energy costs in the long run. So make sure your thermostat remains at a comfortable level during your vacation and you’ll guarantee an enjoyable time!
Set the Temperature Higher
Due to rising energy costs, it can be challenging to decide what temperature your thermostat should be set during summer vacation. But by setting your thermostat appropriately, you will save energy while protecting your home contents and furnishings from excessive heat. With these goals in mind, setting your thermostat appropriately should be a relatively straightforward process.
While away on vacation, set your thermostat 5-10 degrees warmer than usual without exceeding 85 degrees. This is an efficient compromise between conserving energy and keeping the house cool enough to protect delicate items.
In wintertime, however, it’s essential to set your thermostat lower than usual. Doing so will conserve energy while you’re gone and save on heating bills when you return. Furthermore, this reduces the risk of pipes freezing and bursting in your home.
While away on vacation, it may be tempting to turn off your heating system and let temperatures drop in your home. While this can reduce comfort levels in your residence and lower energy bills, it could also damage heating equipment.
Avoid these issues by turning up your home’s thermostat four degrees when away for summer vacation, according to Brookover. While running the air conditioning system may cost more, the savings on heating bills are usually greater than offset, Brookover notes.
This rule is especially crucial if you have pets in the home, as they may become overstressed in high heat and humidity. Pets have been known to suffer from heat stroke or even pass away if left unattended too long in direct sunlight.
If you’re uncertain of your current thermostat settings, contact an Estes Services technician. We can assist in determining which setting is ideal for your home and family.
When taking a summer trip, keep your home’s temperature between 82-86 degrees Fahrenheit by programming your thermostat to cycle on and off during daytime hours. This will maintain humidity control, save money by cooling an empty home, and guarantee all furniture and other belongings remain secure while you’re gone.
In the spring and fall, set your thermostat higher than usual to maintain a comfortable home temperature while away. Doing this will enable your air conditioning system to run at its usual pace while helping regulate humidity levels while you’re gone.
Katy A/C repair technicians can advise you on the ideal temperature to set your thermostat when away for summer vacation. Additionally, they will assist in determining if it’s time for an upgrade in thermostat technology.
Set the Temperature Lower Again
When taking vacations, one of the most essential considerations is what temperature to set your thermostat at while you’re gone. If not done carefully, leaving your home too hot and humid could prove detrimental to you, your appliances, and your furniture.
With summer approaching and temperatures inside your home rising rapidly, without air conditioning it could easily exceed 90 degrees inside your house. Not only is this uncomfortable, but also not suitable if you have sensitive items or expensive artwork to protect.
That is why it’s essential to know what temperature your thermostat should be set at when taking a summer vacation, to protect both your belongings and energy bills. According to Wesley Brookover of McClintock Heating, Cooling and Electrical in Charlotte, North Carolina, setting your thermostat 5-10 degrees warmer than usual during this period is ideal.
This is an ideal compromise between conserving energy and protecting the interior of your home.
You can use a programmable thermostat to ensure your home remains at the desired temperature while you’re away, or if you don’t have access to one, manually override the temperature when away. Simply set it to your desired setting and push “hold” until you return home; at which point your system will resume its usual schedule.
Once you return home, simply turn your thermostat back down to a comfortable setting until your AC unit can cool your house again. Not only will this save you money on utility bills while away, but you’ll be pleased that your house is in excellent condition while you’re gone!
