Even during your time off, one can experience conditions being overly chilly.
You have packed your luggage and are about to leave for your trip. Hold on a moment: Now is the time to adjust your thermostat before you embark on that long-awaited vacation. Since nobody will be home to maintain comfort, consider reducing the temperature setting.
temperature in winter
Or raising it during summertime can help cut down your utility costs significantly. However, when you’re out of town, which temperature should you choose for your thermostat? Is completely shutting off the furnace an option? We’ll discuss why making extreme adjustments to your thermostat settings isn’t ideal while you’re on vacation.
By How Much Should You Adjust the Temperature When You’re Not Home?
If you’re unsure about the ideal temperature for your thermostat, the general recommendation is to adjust it between 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Slightly lowering the heat in colder months or increasing it during warmer ones can be quite beneficial—particularly if you plan to go away for an extended period. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that adjusting your thermostat by 7-10 degrees for at least eight hours daily could reduce your heating costs by up to 10%. Making this minor tweak can help cut expenses and simplify resetting the temperature upon your return home.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. When heat pumps need to revert to a pleasant temperature, they consume more power, which means you might not achieve the same level of savings as compared to other systems.
The Optimal Thermostat Temperature for a Winter Getaway
Ideally, you could extend your savings by adjusting the thermostat significantly more during your skiing vacation or when staying with relatives over the holidays. However, there’s a point where lowering it too much for heating becomes impractical.
HVAC professionals advise
Setting the thermostat to 60 degrees Fahrenheit and not lowering it further. Always keep the heat on even when you leave, particularly if cold weather is predicted. Should your house get uncomfortably cool, the
pipes in unheated spaces
face the danger of freezing. Having burst pipes is definitely not what you’d wish to return home to.
The Best Thermostat Setting For A Summer Vacation
During summertime, air conditioning helps decrease moisture levels inside your house, crucial for controlling mold and mildew growth.
cool air
It also shields wooden furniture and electronic items from harm and ensures your indoor plants and pets stay well. Adjust the thermostat to be anywhere from 80 to 85 degrees so that it operates intermittently when you’re not at home.
Additional Suggestions for Saving Energy While You’re Away
Below are several additional methods to boost energy conservation when you’re not at home:
- Set up a smart thermostat enabling you to monitor and adjust the temperature from afar. It lets you ensure your house will be comfortably warm or cool by the time you arrive.
- Remove or switch off energy-guzzling devices such as chargers, minor household gadgets, and electronic items that continue to consume power whether in use or not. Keep in mind that digital clocks also contribute to electricity usage.
-
Close blinds or curtains
during summertime to minimize sunlight exposure and maintain a cooler interior of your house. - Lower the thermostat on your water heater or switch it to vacation mode, ensuring the water stays sufficiently warm to prevent pipe freezing.
- When leaving a light on, utilize a timer to ensure it switches off during daylight hours.
- Avoid clearing out your refrigerator as it may operate less effectively. Should you worry about food spoilage, fill it up with water bottles and soft drinks instead.
Read the initial article on
Southern Living
