How Low Can You Set Your Thermostat
Before a Winter Vacation?
Turning the thermostat down low while you’re away on a winter vacation might save you some money at first, but once you’re back, you could end up spending more than you saved. That’s because reheating the house takes extra energy, walls and furniture get cold, and it can take hours for them to warm up before the furnace can really start heating the air.
The Best Temperature to Set During Winter Vacation
Keeping a steady heat prevents surfaces from cooling down and avoids a big energy surge when you return. So, what’s the perfect temperature to set while you’re away?
Leaving the thermostat at 55 degrees during a winter vacation is a good, recommended temperature. This way, pipes can’t freeze, and you can quickly reheat your home when you return. Keeping the heat on, even at a lower temperature, will keep your home warm enough without jacking up your energy bill.
Cons of Setting the Thermostat Too Low
Because the temperature inside wall cavities is always lower than in the living areas, setting it too low is far riskier than setting it too high. These are the most common (and costly) consequences that can result from setting a thermostat too low.
- Freezing pipes: Setting the thermostat too low can cause pipes to freeze and potentially burst while traveling.
- Mold growth: Burst pipes can lead to excess water, potentially causing mold growth. Even without burst pipes, temperatures below 55 degrees can cause humidity fluctuations.
- Danger to pets and plants: If you're leaving pets and houseplants at home during a winter vacation, setting the thermostat too low can be dangerous to them.
- System stress: Your home can take hours to reheat once you're back from vacation. "When it takes longer to bring the home back to a comfort zone, that can put stress on the system and spike energy use,"
Cons of Setting the Thermostat Too High
Although setting the thermostat too high during a winter vacation is less risky than setting it too low, there are still some risks.
- Wasted energy: If you set your thermostat too high, you're wasting energy and unnecessarily increasing your heating bill and energy output.
- Increased wear on the unit: If the thermostat is working unnecessarily hard, it can increase wear on the furnace and blower motor.
- Overly dry air: Higher temperatures can dry out the air, causing damage to wood floors and furniture.
Energy-Efficient Tips
Here is some advice to keep your home running efficiently (and warmly) in your absence:
- Warm Your Pipes - Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warm air to circulate to your pipes to prevent them from freezing. Also, take the time to insulate any exposed pipes before you leave.
- Consider a Smart Thermostat - You may want to invest in a smart thermostat so that you can double-check the temperature from your phone.
- Check for Drafts - Check for drafts near pipes, windows, and doors.
Taking precautions before leaving your home for an extended time during the winter season helps protect it from potential damage and costly repairs.
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