When you’re scrambling out the door to catch a flight or get a headstart on a road trip, the last thing on your mind is likely your thermostat. But preparing your house for your time away is essential for avoiding surprises once you get back. Knowing how to prevent your pipes from freezing or how to set your AC on vacation with the right thermostat temperatures can help you reduce energy costs and keep your home safe.
Whether you’re planning a summer retreat or a winter getaway, learn how to keep your house the right temperature — and why it matters — below.
The goal of your heating, air conditioning and ventilation (HVAC) system is to control and maintain your home’s temperature, air quality and humidity levels. This system operates throughout the year to create a comfortable indoor environment. If it stops working for an extended period of time, issues can arise, including:
In hot, humid climates, AC is essential to managing the moisture levels inside your home. First, the refrigerant absorbs heat and causes the moisture to condense. Then, the moisture drains, and cool, dehumidifier air enters your home. If the AC unit is off and that process doesn’t occur, moisture can accumulate inside your house and potentially lead to mold and mildew growth over time.
A big concern in freezing weather is frozen pipes. If the temperature outside drops below freezing and your heating is off, the water inside your pipes can freeze. When that water expands, the pipes could burst, leading to considerable water damage and plumbing issues.
No one wants to return to a sweltering or frigid house. This is uncomfortable for most people, and it may cause health and safety issues for young children, older adults and other individuals. Since your HVAC system takes time to work and maintain a comfortable environment, running it during vacation can help you ensure your home is cozy and safe when you return.
If you’re heading out on a longer trip, keeping your house at the right temperature can make all the difference in deterring pests from getting inside — you don’t want to give them a warm, inviting place to make a home in. A slightly colder or warmer thermostat setting can deter pesky visitors.
While taking a long vacation may seem like a good opportunity to turn off your thermostat and save a few dollars, you want to avoid returning to any of the problems listed above.
What should you set your thermostat to when you’re on vacation? Here are the recommended settings for summer and winter:
If you want to turn your thermostat off while on vacation to save money, the good news is that you can take several measures to cut down on energy use while you’re away and still keep your house safe and comfortable. After you adjust your thermostat to the recommended temperature, try the following ideas:
Just like packing your suitcase and booking your flight requires some preparation, you want to make sure your home is ready to go before you take a trip. Keep your thermostat a little lower or higher than normal during your vacation, and you can avoid issues ranging from moisture buildup to pests to burst pipes.
If energy efficiency is a concern even when you’re at home, we can help. Strada Air Conditioning & Heating offers an array of cooling, heating and indoor air quality solutions to keep your house comfortable and reduce energy costs over time. Whether you’re interested in ductless AC unit installation to boost efficiency or need to replace your heating system, our experienced local team is here to help you decide on the best option and provide professional installation and maintenance services.
Trust us for your HVAC needs across Florida and the Southeast. Call us at 833-539-7800 today, or schedule an appointment to get started!
Joe Strada, owner of Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning, started working at the young age of 14. He’s never attended college, but he has spent his life dedicating his time and energy to his trade and providing high-quality services to his customers. At 19, Joe started working at a well-known air conditioning company and developing his commitment to excellence. He has state certifications in electric, plumbing, air conditioning, residential building and general contracting. During his years of training and experience, Joe noticed a sincere need for a dependable electrical contractor in Florida who embodied the same dedication to customer service in which he believed. In 2003, Joe co-founded Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning. Since then, the company has been in the business of providing peace of mind to customers. We offer expert electric, security and air conditioning solutions for homes and businesses, leveraging our experience to deliver professional and responsive service with reliability and respect.
