You deserve a break from the daily grind and the opportunity to take a step back from the chaos of everyday life. But first, you must ensure that your home is prepared to be left unattended for an extended period.
Homeowners often think about their home’s safety while away and tackle a checklist filled with essential tasks to complete before they can begin their relaxing getaway. Arranging for any housesitting necessary, clean, empty the trash, turn off your water, adjust your blinds, set your alarm system, and the list goes on. One aspect you must remember while preparing your home for vacation is the thermostat; a step that will save energy and also protect your home from severe temperature swings. Here’s what you need to know to ensure your home is at the ideal temperature while on vacation.
The Ideal Temperature
According to the Red Cross, the ideal temperature while you’re on vacation, is around 55°F to 60°F during the winter and the U.S. Department of Energy recommends up to 82-85°F when you are away during the summer months.
Why Temperature Matters
The temperature in your home while you are away should not be causing high utility bills but also not jeopardizing the safety of your home. If your thermostat is set to a temperature that’s too hot, your home can become a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and other allergens. If the setting is too cold, your pipes may freeze and burst, causing significant damage to your home.
Thermostats
Programmable Thermostats:
When you are on vacation, be sure to override any heating or cooling settings you have programmed into your thermostat that could cause your temperature to shift back to your everyday temperatures while you are at home.
Smart Thermostats:
When you are out of town, smart thermostats can be a handy asset for your home. With a smart thermostat, you can adjust the temperature from anywhere using your smartphone or tablet. This feature allows you to adjust the temperature if you need to, from any corner of the world, as long as there is WiFi. Many smart thermostats have built-in vacation modes that automatically adjust the temperature to a schedule you can plan in advance. Vacation mode can save you money on utility bills by ensuring your home is at the ideal temperature without any remote checking on your part.
Geofencing Smart Thermostats:
One of the many perks of a smart thermostat with geofencing technology is that it communicates with the smartphones of your home’s residents to identify whether or not anyone is home. When you are away, this can reduce any anxiety about your home’s temperature. This technology can also be overridden at any time should you have a pet sitter or other guest while you’re away.
If you’re looking for one-on-one expert advice about your HVAC options in New England, contact the National Refrigeration team, and we’ll find the right system for you.
Whether you need 24-7 emergency service or advice on improving your everyday air quality and comfort—at home and work—call us at 401-737-2000 or email us.