Best Temperature to Set Your Thermostat at While You're Away

Balancing energy efficiency and a comfortable home temperature can feel like a juggling act, especially when you live in Florida. You might be tempted to leave off your climate control when you're away on vacation to save on energy costs, but this isn't always the right solution. Keeping your home at the right temperature when you're away can help you keep your home protected while also reducing your power bill.

If you're wondering what temperature to leave your house at while away in the winter or summer, this guide has everything you need to know, including:

• Why thermostat settings matter when you’re away
• What temperature to leave the house at when away on summer vacation
• What setting to use when away in the winter
• Tips for efficient thermostat management

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When you're away on an extended vacation, you don't need to keep your home at the same temperature as you would if you were in it. After all, you won't be home to enjoy it. Keeping your HVAC unit running at full power when you're not home means accruing unnecessary energy costs and wear and tear on your system.

If you completely turn your AC off while away on a summer vacation, you no longer experience its humidity-reducing effects, which can lead to mold growth.

Generally speaking, you can raise the temperature of your AC by between 5 and 10 degrees without issue while you're on vacation. However, when asked what temperature to leave a vacant house at in the summer, it’s recommended to be set no higher than 85 degrees.

If you're only gone for a few days, keeping your AC running at a slightly higher temperature can actually be more energy-efficient. Without AC, your entire home heats, not just the air. So, if your home heats up too high, it can be harder for your AC to bring the temperature down to your preferred setting.

Other considerations may also come into play. Are you leaving pets at home? If so, you may want to keep the temperature no higher than 80 degrees. Delicate plants, paintings, or electronics may also necessitate keeping the temperature lower than 85 degrees as well.

Now, if you're heading off for a winter vacation, you probably shouldn't completely turn off your heater either. While infrequent, temperatures in Southwest Florida have been known to occasionally drop below freezing, which can freeze and crack your pipes if no heat is running.

As a good rule of thumb, the right temperature to leave a house at while away in the winter is at least 60 degrees. However, most people choose to drop their preferred temperature between 5 and 10 degrees while on vacation. So, if you normally keep your home set to 75 degrees, you wouldn't want to drop below 65 degrees.

As with during the summer, if you're leaving home pets or you have delicate electronics or plants, you may want to keep your thermostat set to at least 65 degrees.

Remember, as a general rule, you should only adjust your thermostat by 5 to 10 degrees in either direction when you're away on vacation. This helps keep your home and belongings safe while also reducing your energy costs.

You may also consider implementing a smart thermostat to help you monitor energy usage while you're away and grant you total control over your home's climate control from anywhere. With a smart thermostat, you can make minor adjustments as necessary, such as if your thermostat changes based on pre-programmed schedules or if you forgot to alter the temperature before leaving.

Since 1989, Advanced Air has helped countless people achieve total home comfort. Our honest, professional technicians have earned thousands of 5-star reviews thanks to their hard work and dedication. If you're ready to install a smart thermostat, contact us today.