What Temperature to Set Thermostat When on Vacation in Winter: EnergySaving Tips for Optimal Home Comfort
What Temperature to Set Thermostat When on Vacation in Winter?
When on vacation in the winter, it is recommended to set the thermostat 5 to 10 degrees colder during the day.
However, it is essential to keep the temperature above 60 degrees to prevent frozen pipes.
Opening cupboard doors to circulate warm air around pipes and turning off the water at the main shut-off valve can also help avoid plumbing issues.
Additionally, using a smart thermostat for remote monitoring and control, considering delicate items affected by extreme temperatures, setting a comfortable temperature for pets and house sitters, closing blinds and drapes, and getting HVAC maintenance before the vacation are all important factors to consider.
Key Points:
- Set thermostat 5 to 10 degrees colder during the day when on vacation in the winter
- Keep temperature above 60 degrees to prevent frozen pipes
- Open cupboard doors and turn off water to avoid plumbing issues
- Use a smart thermostat for remote monitoring and control
- Consider items affected by extreme temperatures
- Take care of pets and house sitters by setting a comfortable temperature and closing blinds and drapes
Did You Know?
1. Contrary to popular belief, completely turning off your thermostat while on vacation in the winter is not recommended. A freezing home can lead to frozen pipes and potential water damage, especially in colder climates.
2. Did you know that setting your thermostat to 55°F (13°C) while on vacation during the winter could be a cost-effective solution? This temperature is low enough to conserve energy but still prevents your home from getting too cold.
3. Heat loss is significantly higher through windows compared to walls. When on vacation in the winter, consider sealing your windows with plastic film or using heavy curtains to minimize heat escape and save on energy costs.
4. Incorporating a smart thermostat into your home can be beneficial when on vacation during winter. Many smart thermostats can be controlled remotely, allowing you to adjust the temperature if necessary or monitor the conditions at your property from afar.
5. It’s important to note that setting the thermostat too high before leaving for vacation in the winter won’t warm up your house faster upon your return. The thermostat will work at the same rate, whether you set it to 70°F (21°C) or any other temperature, so there’s no need to waste energy by cranking it up.
Adjusting Thermostat Settings For Winter Vacation
When setting the thermostat during winter vacation, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Increasing the thermostat by 5 to 10 degrees in the summer helps conserve energy and prevent unnecessary heating when no one is at home. Conversely, lowering the thermostat by 5 to 10 degrees in the winter helps reduce energy usage and avoid heating an empty house. By adjusting the temperature settings accordingly, you can achieve optimal energy savings while still maintaining a comfortable home environment.
Preventing Frozen Pipes: Keeping Temperature Above 60 Degrees
One of the most crucial concerns during winter vacation is the risk of frozen pipes. It is important to keep the temperature in the house above 60 degrees to prevent this from happening. Frozen pipes can lead to costly damages and major inconveniences. By ensuring that the temperature remains above the freezing point, you can safeguard your plumbing system and avoid potential water leaks or bursts.
To prevent frozen pipes during winter vacation:
- Keep the temperature in the house above 60 degrees.
- Insulate exposed pipes with pipe insulation or heat tape.
- Open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around pipes located in vulnerable areas.
- Let faucets drip slowly to prevent water from freezing.
“Frozen pipes can be a homeowner’s nightmare, causing expensive repair bills and disruptions. Taking preventive measures and keeping the temperature above freezing point can help you avoid these unwanted problems.”
Circulating Warm Air: Opening Cupboard Doors Around Pipes
To prevent frozen pipes, open cupboard doors around pipes located under sinks. This allows warm air from the house to circulate around the pipes, maintaining a consistent temperature and preventing freezing. This simple step can significantly help protect your pipes during the winter.
Plumbing Safety: Turning Off Main Water Valve
Another important precaution to take before going on winter vacation is turning off the main water valve. This will help to avoid any plumbing issues that may arise while you are away. By shutting off the water supply, you eliminate the risk of leaks, bursts, or any water-related emergencies in your absence. It is a small step that can save you from major headaches and potential damages to your home.
Remote Monitoring: Benefits Of Using A Smart Thermostat
Utilizing a smart thermostat for remote monitoring and control is a game-changer when it comes to managing the temperature of your home while on vacation. By installing a smart thermostat, you gain the ability to adjust and monitor the temperature of your house from anywhere at any time. This offers peace of mind as you can ensure that the temperature is set at a comfortable level for your pets, house sitters, or any delicate items that may be affected by extreme temperatures.
Additionally, smart thermostats help achieve energy efficiency by allowing you to optimize heating and cooling settings according to your specific needs.
Benefits of using a smart thermostat include:
- Remote monitoring and control of temperature
- Peace of mind for pets, house sitters, and sensitive items
- Energy efficiency through optimized heating and cooling settings
“A smart thermostat is a convenient and effective tool for managing home temperature remotely.”
Protecting Delicate Items: Considering Temperature Sensitivity
When planning for winter vacation, it is crucial to take into consideration the temperature sensitivity of certain delicate items in your home. This includes paintings, electronics, and houseplants, among others. Extreme temperatures can damage or affect the quality of these items. To avoid any potential harm, ensure that the temperature is set at a level that is safe for these delicate items. It is advisable to research the specific temperature requirements for each item and adjust the thermostat settings accordingly.
Tip: Adjust the thermostat by 5 to 10 degrees colder during the day in the winter to save energy.
Tip: Keep the temperature above 60 degrees to prevent frozen pipes.
Tip: Open cupboard doors around pipes, turn off the main water valve, and utilize a smart thermostat for remote monitoring to maintain a safe and comfortable home environment.
Considering the temperature sensitivity of delicate items can help protect them from any potential damage.
With these tips in mind, you can enjoy your vacation while also taking care of your home.
- Adjust the thermostat by 5 to 10 degrees colder during the day in the winter
- Keep the temperature above 60 degrees to prevent frozen pipes
- Open cupboard doors around pipes
- Turn off the main water valve
- Utilize a smart thermostat for remote monitoring
For any thermostat questions or maintenance needs, Winnipeg Supply Service Experts are available to assist you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should I leave my thermostat when I m gone in the winter?
For optimal energy efficiency and to protect against freezing pipes, it is recommended to set your thermostat between 55 and 60°F when you’re away during the winter. However, if your winters are less severe and you’re looking to maximize savings, you can lower the temperature to 45°F. This will help maintain a minimum level of warmth in your home while minimizing energy consumption.
What should I set my thermostat to in the winter while on vacation?
When setting your thermostat in the winter while on vacation, it is recommended to increase it by 5 to 10 degrees higher than your usual setting during the day, but avoid setting it above 85 degrees. This allows you to strike a balance between energy conservation and ensuring the protection of your home’s interior. By raising the temperature slightly, you can prevent your pipes from freezing without excessively heating your empty house.
What is a safe thermostat temperature for vacation?
When leaving for a vacation, it is important to adjust your thermostat to ensure energy efficiency and the safety of your home. For vacations in warmer seasons, it is advisable to set the thermostat no higher than 85 degrees to conserve energy while keeping the interior from becoming excessively hot. Conversely, during colder seasons, setting the thermostat no lower than 50 degrees prevents the pipes from freezing and helps maintain a stable temperature without wasting excess energy. By adhering to these temperature guidelines, you can go on vacation with peace of mind, knowing that your home is both secure and environmentally conscious.
Is it OK to turn off thermostat in winter?
While it may seem tempting to turn off the thermostat in winter to save money, it is not advisable. Switching off the thermostat, even for short durations, does not lead to cost savings. This is due to the amount of energy required to restore a comfortable temperature once you return. Moreover, leaving the thermostat off for extended periods can lead to stagnant and unhealthy air, as well as the risk of frozen pipes.