Best Thermostat Settings When You're Away

Heating or cooling an empty home wastes energy, leading to high energy bills. Adjusting the temperature before you leave has a number of benefits:

• Reduces energy consumption: The temperature control needed to safeguard your house is less energy-reliant than heating or cooling for human comfort.
• Prevents HVAC strain: Temporarily reducing energy usage gives your HVAC system a chance to rest, reducing wear and tear.
• Avoids extreme temperature swings: Adjusting your thermostat without turning your HVAC off reduces the likelihood of frozen pipes or excessive indoor humidity.

Learning what temp to leave your house when you’re away in summer can save energy and lower your utility bills.

• Short-term trips (1-3 days): Set your thermostat to 85°F. This reduces AC output while keeping humidity at bay.
• Extended vacations: Set your thermostat to 88-90°F to save even more energy without overheating your home and appliances.
• Homes with pets or plants: Set your thermostat to 80-82°F to prevent overheating and protect more sensitive belongings and inhabitants. Some pets may require different conditions—check with your veterinarian for species-specific temperature guidelines.

With a smart thermostat, you can program the system to begin cooling when you’re on your way home.

Homeowners wondering what temperature to set their thermostat at when on vacation in winter have to keep their pipes in mind. Cold snaps can freeze plumbing, resulting in hefty damage and pricey repairs.

• Short-term trips: Set your thermostat to 60-65°F to keep your home safe, save money, and ensure comfort upon your return.
• Extended vacations: Set your thermostat to 55°F to prevent pipes from freezing while still conserving energy.
• Homes with pets and plants: Set your thermostat to 65°F to ensure your pets’ well-being and keep plants from succumbing to the cold.

Experts also recommend opening the cabinet doors underneath your sinks to allow warm air to circulate and warm the pipes.

Manual thermostats have been used for decades, but new smart thermostats offer unparalleled control even when you’re far away.

With a smart thermostat, such as a Honeywell or Ecobee, you can:

• Adjust settings remotely using your smartphone and a branded app.
• Create automated schedules based on your departure and arrival times.
• Receive energy usage reports, including efficiency recommendations.
• Watch for HVAC maintenance alerts in case of a system hiccup.

In addition to knowing what temp to leave your house when away in winter and summer, use these expert tips to save energy and money.

• Close blinds and curtains to retain heat in winter and block out the sun in summer.
• Unplug electronics, including appliances, to reduce phantom energy consumption.
• Clean or replace HVAC filters to ensure optimal system operation.
• Schedule HVAC maintenance to check for issues before you leave.