What Temperature To Set Thermostat In Winter When Away

Okay, picture this: it's a blustery winter day, snowflakes are doing their crazy dance outside your window, and you're snuggled up on a beach in the Bahamas. Sounds idyllic, right? But back home, your thermostat is staring at you, silently judging your vacation choice. The big question is: what temperature should you actually set it to while you're away?

This might seem like a small detail, like remembering to pack your toothbrush (essential!), but getting your thermostat right while you're gone can save you a surprising amount of money and prevent some pretty annoying problems.

Why Bother Thinking About It?

Let's be honest, the last thing you want to think about on vacation is your heating bill. But consider this: heating your house while it's empty is basically like throwing a pizza party and then only inviting tumbleweeds. It's a waste of resources! Keeping your house unnecessarily warm chews through energy, which translates directly into higher bills. Nobody wants that unwelcome surprise when they get back.

Think of it like leaving the faucet dripping. A little drip, drip, drip might not seem like much, but over days and weeks, it adds up to a lot of wasted water (and a higher water bill, naturally!). Your thermostat is the same principle, just on a larger, house-sized scale.

Besides the money, there's also the potential for frozen pipes to consider. Imagine coming home to a burst pipe and a flooded basement. Not exactly the relaxing homecoming you were dreaming of, right? We want to avoid that scenario like the plague.

So, What's the Magic Number?

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. The generally accepted sweet spot for your thermostat when you're away in the winter is around 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius). This provides a good balance between conserving energy and preventing frozen pipes.

Now, you might be thinking, "55 degrees? That sounds chilly!" And you're not wrong. But remember, we're not aiming for cozy-snuggle-on-the-couch temperature. We're aiming for "just-above-freezing-and-wasting-less-money" temperature.

Think of it as giving your house a little winter nap. It's not actively partying, but it's staying safe and sound until you return to wake it up with your presence (and a good dose of warmth).

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

Location, Location, Location: If you live in a particularly cold climate that's prone to deep freezes, you might want to err on the side of caution and set your thermostat a degree or two higher, say 58 or 60 degrees. Better safe than sorry!

The Smart Thermostat Advantage: If you have a smart thermostat, you're in luck! You can easily adjust the temperature remotely using your phone. This is particularly handy if you get an unexpected cold snap while you're away. Plus, many smart thermostats can learn your heating patterns and optimize energy usage automatically. It's like having a tiny, energy-conscious robot managing your home's temperature!

Don't Forget the Furry Friends (If Applicable!): If you have a pet sitter who will be popping in to care for your furry, scaled, or feathered companions, make sure they know what temperature you've set the thermostat to. Your pets deserve a comfortable environment, too! And while some pets may adore colder temperature, others may suffer from it!

Give it a Warm Welcome: Before you leave, double-check that your thermostat is set to "away" or the desired temperature. And when you're heading home, use your smart thermostat (if you have one) to bump up the temperature a few hours before you arrive. That way, you'll be greeted by a nice, warm house instead of a chilly, echoing space. It's like preheating the oven before you bake cookies – essential for a satisfying result!

The Bottom Line

Setting your thermostat to 55 degrees Fahrenheit while you're away in the winter is a smart move that can save you money and prevent potential problems. It's a small step that can make a big difference, both for your wallet and your peace of mind. So go ahead, book that tropical vacation! Just remember to give your thermostat a little love before you go.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I hear the ocean calling... (Just kidding...mostly.)