Planning a vacation is always exciting, but ensuring your home remains comfortable and energy-efficient while you’re away is equally important. At Total Comfort Solutions Heating and Cooling, we often get asked about the best thermostat settings for when homeowners are on vacation. Properly programming your thermostat can help you save energy, reduce utility bills, and maintain the right conditions to prevent any issues in your absence. Here’s what you should consider when setting your thermostat for vacation.
1. Summer Settings
During the summer, you don’t need to keep your home as cool as when you’re there. Setting your thermostat to around 85°F while you’re away can help save energy. This temperature is high enough to prevent excessive heat buildup, which can be harmful to electronics, appliances, and any plants you might have. If you have pets staying home, ensure this setting is within a comfortable range for them.
2. Winter Settings
In the winter, you want to avoid freezing temperatures inside your home, which can lead to frozen pipes and other issues. Setting your thermostat to around 55°F while you’re away should be sufficient to keep your home safe and prevent any damage. This setting helps conserve energy by not heating your home unnecessarily, while still maintaining a safe environment.
3. Smart Thermostats
If you have a smart thermostat, you can take advantage of its programmable features and remote access. Program your thermostat with a vacation mode, which adjusts the temperature settings for the duration of your trip. You can also monitor and control your home’s temperature from anywhere using your smartphone, ensuring you can make adjustments if necessary.
4. Humidity Control
Maintaining proper humidity levels is crucial for preventing mold and mildew growth, especially in humid climates. If your thermostat or HVAC system has a humidity control feature, set it to keep the humidity around 50%. This setting helps protect your home and belongings from moisture-related issues.
5. Energy Savings
Programming your thermostat to energy-saving settings while you’re on vacation can significantly reduce your energy consumption. Not only does this lower your utility bills, but it also minimizes your environmental impact. By making a few adjustments before you leave, you can ensure your home remains energy-efficient.
6. Return Comfort
Many programmable and smart thermostats allow you to set a schedule for your return. Set your thermostat to start adjusting the temperature back to your preferred comfort level a few hours before you arrive home. This way, you’ll return to a comfortable environment without having wasted energy maintaining that temperature while you were away.
Conclusion
Properly programming your thermostat before going on vacation is a simple yet effective way to save energy, protect your home, and ensure a comfortable return. Set your thermostat to around 85°F in the summer and 55°F in the winter, utilize any smart features for remote adjustments, and consider humidity control for added protection. At Total Comfort Solutions Heating and Cooling, we’re here to help you optimize your home’s AC system for maximum efficiency and comfort. Contact us for more tips and professional advice on maintaining your home’s climate control.
