What Should I Keep My Thermostat Set To While on Vacation?
November 4, 2024
Heading out on vacation and wondering what to set your thermostat to before you go? Getting this detail right can help you save on energy costs while protecting your home from extreme temperatures. We’re here to guide you through the best thermostat settings for those days when no one’s home, so you can return to comfort without overspending on energy.
Setting Your Thermostat for Summer Vacations
During the summer months in Show Low, the sun’s heat can drive indoor temperatures up quickly, which can impact both your energy costs and your home’s condition. Setting your thermostat too high might save energy, but if it gets too warm inside, you could end up with humidity problems or even damage to electronics, furniture, and wood surfaces.
We recommend setting your thermostat around 5 to 10 degrees higher than you normally have it during the day without going over 85°F while you’re away in the summer. This temperature is high enough to save on cooling but low enough to prevent your home from becoming excessively hot. If you have a smart thermostat, consider programming it to start cooling a few hours before you’re due to return, so you come back to a comfortable home.
Setting Your Thermostat for Winter Getaways
Winter trips require a different approach. While we don’t experience extreme winter temperatures here in Show Low, nighttime temperatures can still drop enough to pose risks to your plumbing if your home is too cold.
To avoid frozen pipes, we recommend setting your thermostat to about 60 to 55°F. This keeps your home warm enough to prevent issues while still saving on heating. Just like in summer, if you have a programmable thermostat, you can set it to raise the temperature shortly before you get back.
How Smart Thermostats Make Vacation Planning Easier
If you have a smart thermostat, adjusting for vacation mode can be as simple as pressing a button. Many smart thermostats allow you to monitor and adjust settings remotely, so you can double-check your thermostat’s setting anytime you need to. Some models even have built-in vacation modes that automatically adjust based on the local forecast, giving you a convenient way to ensure your home’s temperature is properly managed while you’re away.
Stay Comfortable and Save with Rim Country Mechanical, Inc.
Whether you’re looking to install a new thermostat or have questions about optimizing your HVAC system, we’re here to help. At Rim Country Mechanical, Inc. in Show Low, AZ, we offer expert HVAC services to keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient year-round. Contact us today to learn more about our air conditioning services or indoor air quality services to schedule an appointment with our friendly team!