What Temp To Leave Apartment When Away In Winter

Hey friend! So, you're jetting off somewhere warm and sunny, huh? Lucky duck! But before you start packing bikinis and dreaming of fruity drinks, we gotta talk about something kinda boring... your apartment's thermostat. Seriously, don't skip this! It could save you from a world of winter woe.

The big question: what temperature should you leave your apartment at when you're away in the winter? It's a Goldilocks situation, right? Too hot, and you're wasting energy (and money!). Too cold, and you risk frozen pipes. Yikes!

The Magic Number: 55°F (13°C)

Okay, drumroll please... Generally, the sweet spot is around 55°F (13°C). Yep, that's it! Not exactly tropical, I know. But it's warm enough to prevent your pipes from staging a dramatic ice-age rebellion and bursting. Nobody wants that welcome home present.

Think of it like this: you're keeping the chill at bay, without turning your place into a mini sauna. Remember, you're not trying to heat it for comfort, you're trying to prevent disaster. Big difference!

Why 55? Well, below that, the risk of frozen pipes increases significantly. And trust me, dealing with burst pipes is a major hassle. We're talking plumbers, potential water damage, insurance claims... it's a whole thing. Save yourself the headache!

But Wait, There's More! (Important Considerations)

Now, before you blindly set your thermostat and run out the door, hold on a sec. A few things can influence your ideal temperature setting.

• How long will you be gone? A weekend jaunt? 55°F is perfect. A month-long adventure? Maybe bump it up to 60°F just for extra peace of mind. I mean, is a few extra dollars worth the peace of mind?
• The age and insulation of your building. Old buildings can be drafty! If your apartment is notorious for being freezing, you might want to err on the warmer side. Think of it as a preemptive strike against Jack Frost.
• Are there any pipes in exterior walls? This is a big one! Pipes in exterior walls are more vulnerable to freezing. Consider insulating those pipes with foam sleeves (you can find them at any hardware store) or bumping up the thermostat a degree or two. Seriously, pipe insulation is cheap insurance.
• Do you have house plants? Okay, this might seem silly, but if you're relying on your neighbor to water your precious plant babies, a warmer temperature might be kinder to them. But if you're okay with them going dormant, you can leave it at 55.

Also, a little tip: open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. It's a small thing, but every little bit helps! Think of it as giving your pipes a cozy hug.

Other Winter-Proofing Tips (Because Why Not?)

While you're at it, here are a few extra things you can do to protect your apartment from the winter blues while you're gone:

• Turn off the water supply to washing machines. This prevents potential flooding in case a hose bursts. Better safe than sorry, right? Imagine coming home to a swimming pool in your laundry room. Not fun!
• Check your windows and doors for drafts. Seal any cracks or gaps with weather stripping or caulk. It'll save you money on energy bills even when you're home!
• Ask a friend or neighbor to check on your apartment periodically. Just to make sure everything is okay. Offer them a key and maybe a bottle of wine as a thank you. Win-win!
• Inform your landlord or building management that you'll be away. Just in case they need to access your apartment for any reason.

Leaving your apartment empty in the winter can feel a bit nerve-wracking, but with a little preparation, you can relax and enjoy your vacation without worrying about frozen pipes or other winter-related disasters.

So, set that thermostat to a reasonable 55°F (13°C) (or maybe a tad higher, depending on your situation), take a few extra precautions, and go have an amazing time! You deserve it! Just promise you'll send me a postcard. 😉