What Temperature Should You Set Your House When On Vacation

Hey friend! So, you're jetting off on a well-deserved vacation? Awesome! Mai Tais and sunshine, here you come! But before you completely disconnect and embrace the digital detox, let's chat about something crucial: your thermostat. Yes, even that little box on the wall needs some vacation prep.

The Great Thermostat Debate: Vacation Edition

Okay, so the burning question: what temperature should you set your house to when you're gone? It's a question that's launched a thousand arguments (probably, I haven't actually counted, but it *feels* like it). The goal is to save money, protect your house, and avoid coming home to a swamp or an ice palace. Nobody wants that kind of welcome home party.

Here's the lowdown: The generally recommended temperature is 85°F (29°C) for summer and 55°F (13°C) for winter. But, like all good advice, there are a few "it depends" sprinkled in.

Summer Lovin', Happened So Fast...But What About My House?

In the summer, you want to avoid turning your AC completely off. Why? Because humidity is the enemy! Think mold, mildew, and that general "eww" feeling. Leaving your AC off is basically an invitation for moisture to throw a party in your house, and trust me, you don't want to clean up that mess.

85°F (29°C) is a sweet spot. It's warm enough to keep your AC from working overtime when you're gone, but cool enough to keep the humidity in check. Imagine your AC is just gently sipping a lemonade by the pool, instead of running a marathon in the Sahara.

Bonus tip: Close your blinds and curtains! This will help keep the sun from baking your house and making your AC work even harder. Think of it as giving your house a little sunblock.

Winter Wonderland...Without the Frozen Pipes!

Winter is a different beast. The main concern here is frozen pipes. A burst pipe is a *major* headache (and wallet ache). You definitely want to avoid that.

55°F (13°C) is usually sufficient to prevent pipes from freezing. It's chilly, sure, but it's better than coming home to an indoor swimming pool you didn't ask for.

Important note: If you live in an area with particularly harsh winters, you might want to bump that temperature up a few degrees just to be safe. Better safe than soggy! And if you have any pipes that are known to be vulnerable to freezing, consider insulating them. Think of it as giving them a cozy winter coat.

Smart Thermostats: The Vacation Game Changer

If you're feeling fancy (and tech-savvy), a smart thermostat can be a game-changer. These little gadgets let you control your thermostat remotely, so you can adjust the temperature based on the weather forecast or if your neighbor calls and says your house is looking suspiciously like an igloo.

They can also learn your habits and automatically adjust the temperature when you're away, taking all the guesswork out of it. Plus, who doesn't love showing off their tech skills to their friends? "Oh, you're cold? Let me just adjust the thermostat in my house from my phone...in Bali." (Okay, maybe don't *actually* say that, but you get the idea.)

Other Things to Consider

Before you set that thermostat and run for the airport, here are a few other things to think about:

• Pets: If you're leaving your furry friends at home with a pet sitter, make sure the temperature is comfortable for them! They deserve a vacation-worthy climate, too.
• Plants: Sensitive plants might not appreciate a drastic temperature change. Consider moving them to a more stable location or asking a friend to water them while you're gone.
• Electronics: While it's generally okay to leave most electronics at room temperature, extreme heat or cold can potentially damage them. If you're concerned, unplug them before you leave.

Relax and Enjoy Your Trip!

Okay, you've got your thermostat set, your blinds closed, and your plants are happy. Now, you can finally relax and enjoy your vacation! Don't stress too much about things back home. You've done your due diligence, and your house will be waiting for you when you return. Remember, you deserve this break. So go soak up the sun, try that weird local dish, and make some memories. The world is waiting, and so is your (perfectly temperature-controlled) house! Bon voyage!