Temperature To Leave House When Away In Summer

So, you’re finally escaping the summer heat, heading off to a cooler climate, maybe visiting Aunt Mildred and her prize-winning petunias (we’ve all been there!). But a tiny voice whispers in the back of your mind: “What about the house? The thermostat? The houseplants?” Fear not, fellow traveler, for the Goldilocks zone of summer thermostat settings is surprisingly forgiving, and even a little…eccentric.

Let’s be honest, most of us default to the same setting year after year, passed down from our parents like a slightly itchy family heirloom. “72 degrees, always!” Mom declared, clutching her pearls. But is that really the magic number? Turns out, your house doesn’t need to live in a climate-controlled bubble while you're gone. It’s tougher than you think!

The Great Thermostat Debate: 78 is the New 72

Okay, picture this: your house is a sweaty marathon runner. You wouldn't force a marathon runner to sprint the entire race, would you? Nope! They need to pace themselves. Similarly, constantly blasting the AC to keep your house at a frigid 72 degrees when you're away is like forcing it to sprint the whole time. It's wasteful and, frankly, a little mean. Plus, you’ll get a nasty surprise in the form of a sky-high electric bill when you return.

The general consensus? A setting of 78-80 degrees Fahrenheit is perfectly acceptable for when you're out of town. It’s high enough to conserve energy and prevent your AC from working overtime, but low enough to prevent heat from building up and causing potential problems like mildew or warping wood floors (though, let’s be real, those floors have probably seen worse).

Beware the Phantom Appliances!

Now, here’s where things get interesting. Your thermostat isn’t the only player in this summery saga. Consider your appliances. That old refrigerator humming away in the corner? It’s working harder in a warmer house. Ditto for your dehumidifier (if you’re lucky enough to have one). These guys are the unsung heroes, quietly battling the humidity monster while you’re sipping iced tea on a beach somewhere.

So, while bumping up the thermostat is generally a good idea, be mindful of these energy-guzzling appliances. Maybe give them a quick check-up before you leave. Clean the fridge coils (yes, really!), empty the dehumidifier, and whisper a word of encouragement. “You got this, little buddy!”

The Plant Whisperer's Dilemma

Ah, yes, the houseplants. The green, leafy children you swore to nurture. Leaving them alone for an extended period can be a source of serious anxiety. But fear not! A slightly warmer house isn’t necessarily a death sentence. Group them together in a shadier spot, give them a good watering before you leave, and maybe even enlist a neighbor to check on them (bribes of freshly baked cookies are highly encouraged).

You can even get fancy with self-watering globes or makeshift humidity trays (pebble-filled saucers filled with water – Pinterest is your friend!). Think of it as creating a tiny, self-sufficient ecosystem in your living room. David Attenborough would be proud.

The Humorous Aftermath: Coming Home

Let’s face it: no matter how carefully you plan, returning home after a summer vacation is always a bit of a…surprise. Maybe your cat has staged a coup and now demands tuna three times a day. Maybe the dog has "redecorated" the living room with your favorite throw pillows. And maybe, just maybe, your house will be a little warmer than you expected.

But that’s okay! Crank up the AC, throw open the windows, and embrace the slightly musty, slightly neglected scent of home. After all, you were off having adventures! Your house held down the fort. Give it (and yourself) a break. And maybe, just maybe, start planning your next escape!

Important Tip: Always check your specific thermostat's instructions and consider the specific needs of your home and belongings before making any drastic changes. Better safe than sorry! And a happy, well-adjusted house is a happy homeowner!

In conclusion, finding the right temperature to leave your house at in the summer when you are away can feel stressful. Remember the main objective is to balance energy efficiency with the well-being of your home.