When you’re planning a winter getaway, the last thing on your mind might be the temperature you leave your house at. But trust me, it’s worth thinking about! Setting the right temperature when you’re away in winter can save you a bundle on energy bills and keep your home safe from damage.
Imagine coming home to a burst pipe or a sky-high heating bill. Not the welcome you were hoping for, right? We’ll explore the ideal temperature range, share energy-saving tips, and discuss safety measures to keep your home in tip-top shape.
So, grab a cozy blanket and let’s get started on keeping your home warm and safe while you’re away this winter!
Understanding the Importance of Temperature Control When Away in Winter
Why Winter Temperature Management Matters for Homes
You might be wondering, “Why should I bother with the temperature when I’m not even home?” Well, my friend, managing winter temperatures is crucial for several reasons.
First and foremost, it can significantly impact your home energy bills. Leaving your heat cranked up while you’re away is like throwing money out the window. On the other hand, setting the temperature too low can lead to frozen pipes and costly repairs.
Impact on Energy Bills and Home Systems
Let’s talk about those energy bills for a moment. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling account for about 50% of a home’s energy use. That’s a massive chunk of your monthly expenses!
By setting your thermostat to the right home temperature when you’re away, you can save up to 10% on your heating bill. That’s money that could be better spent on your winter getaway or cozy home upgrades.
Risks of Freezing Pipes and Structural Damage
Now, let’s discuss the elephant in the room: frozen pipes. When water freezes, it expands, and that can put a lot of pressure on your pipes. If the pressure gets too high, your pipes could burst, leading to water damage and costly repairs.
In fact, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety estimates that frozen pipes cause over $1 billion in damage each year. That’s a lot of money you could save by setting your thermostat to the right temperature.
Safety Concerns Related to Extreme Cold Inside a Vacant Home
Last but not least, let’s talk about safety. Extreme cold inside a vacant home can be dangerous, especially if you have a gas furnace. If the temperature drops too low, the stove might not be able to keep up, leading to a buildup of carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide is a silent killer, and it’s hazardous in a vacant home where no one is there to detect it. By setting your thermostat to the right temperature, you can help prevent this potentially deadly situation.
What Temperature to Leave House in Winter When Away: Expert Recommendations
Industry and Expert Consensus on Ideal Temperature Range
So, what’s the magic number? What temperature should you leave your house at when you’re away in winter? According to most experts, the ideal temperature range is between 55°F and 65°F.
This range is warm enough to prevent frozen pipes and keep your home safe, but cool enough to save you money on your energy bill. Of course, the exact temperature you choose will depend on a few factors, which we’ll discuss next.
Factors Influencing the Perfect Setting
Climate Zone and Local Weather Conditions
The first factor to consider is your climate zone and local weather conditions. If you live in a colder climate, set your thermostat a bit higher to prevent home pipes. On the other hand, if you live in a milder climate, you can get away with a lower setting.
Home Insulation Quality and Heating System Efficiency
The next factor is the quality of your home’s insulation and the efficiency of your heating system. If your home is well-insulated and your heating system is efficient, you can set your thermostat a bit lower. But if your home is drafty or your heating system is outdated, you may need to put it higher.
Length of Absence and Duration of Cold Weather
The length of your absence and the duration of cold weather are also important home factors. If you’re only away for a weekend, you can set your thermostat a bit lower. But if you’re going to be away for an extended period during a cold snap, you’ll want to put it higher to prevent frozen pipes.
Differences Between Short Trips and Long-Term Absences in Temperature Setting
Speaking of short trips and long-term absences, let’s dive a bit deeper into the differences between the two. If you’re only away for a day or two, you can set your thermostat a bit lower. But if you’re going to be away for a week or more, you’ll want to put it higher to prevent frozen pipes.
In fact, some experts recommend setting your thermostat to 55°F for short trips and 60°F for more extended absences. Of course, these are just general home guidelines, and you’ll need to consider your specific situation when making your decision.
How Smart Thermostats Can Optimize Away Temperature Settings
If you have a smart thermostat, you’re in luck! These handy devices can help you optimize your away temperature settings and save even more money on your energy bill.
With a smart thermostat, you can set your temperature to change automatically when you leave the house. You can also monitor your home’s temperature remotely and make adjustments as needed. Some smart thermostats even learn your preferences over time and adjust your settings accordingly.
Energy Saving Tips While Away in Winter
Lowering Thermostat Without Freezing Home Pipes
Now that we’ve covered the ideal temperature range, let’s talk about some energy-saving tips you can use while you’re away in winter. The first tip is to lower your thermostat without freezing your home’s pipes.
As we discussed earlier, the ideal temperature range is between 55°F and 65°F. If you set your thermostat to the lower end of this range, you can save up to 10% on your heating bill. Just make sure you don’t put it too low, or you could risk frozen pipes.
Using Programmable or Smart Thermostats for Energy Efficiency
Another way to save energy while you’re away in winter is to use a programmable or smart thermostat. These devices allow you to set your temperature to change automatically when you leave the house guide, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to adjust it.
With a programmable thermostat, you can set a schedule for your heating system to follow. For example, you could lower the temperature when you leave for work in the morning and raise it again when you come home tips in the evening.
Sealing Doors and Windows to Prevent Drafts
Another way to save energy while you’re away in winter is to seal your doors and windows to prevent drafts. Even small gaps can let in a lot of cold air, making your heating system work harder and driving up your energy bill.
To seal your doors and windows, you can use weather stripping or caulk. Weather stripping is a flexible material that you can attach to the edges of your doors and windows to create a tight seal. Caulk is a sealant you can apply to gaps and cracks to fill them.
Insulating Vulnerable Pipes and Areas
If you have any vulnerable pipes or areas in your home, it’s a good idea to insulate them to prevent freezing. This is especially important if you’ll be away for an extended period during a cold snap.
To insulate your pipes, you can use foam pipe insulation or heat tape. Foam pipe insulation is a flexible material that you can wrap around your pipes to keep them warm. Heat tape is an electrical device that you can wrap around your pipes to provide extra heat.
Benefits of Using Timers on Heaters and Smart Home Devices
Another way to save energy while you’re away in winter is to use timers on your heaters and smart home devices. These devices let you set a schedule for your home heating system, so you don’t have to worry about leaving it on all day.
With a timer, you can set your heater to turn on and off at specific times. For example, you could put it to turn on an hour before you come home from work and turn off an hour after you leave in the morning.
With smart home devices, you can take things a step further. These devices can be controlled remotely, so you can turn them on and off from your phone or tablet while you’re away. Some smart home devices even learn your preferences over time and adjust your settings accordingly.
Reducing Other Energy Consumption While Away
Last but not least, let’s talk about reducing other energy consumption while you’re away in winter. This includes items such as lights, appliances, and electronics.
To reduce your energy consumption, make sure to turn off all lights and unplug any appliances or electronics that you’re not using. You can also use home power strips to make it easier to turn off multiple devices at once.
If you have any smart home devices, you can use them to control your lights and appliances remotely. For example, you could set your bright lights to turn off automatically when you leave the house and turn back on when you come home.
Staying Safe: Preventing Winter Home Damage While Away
How Temperature Settings Prevent Pipe Bursts and Water Damage
Now that we’ve covered energy-saving tips, let’s talk about staying safe while you’re away in winter. One of the most significant risks is pipe bursts and water damage, which can be prevented by setting your thermostat to the right temperature.
As we discussed earlier, the ideal temperature range is between 55°F and 65°F. This range is warm enough to prevent your pipes from freezing, but house cool enough to save you money on your energy bill.
If you set your thermostat too low, your pipes could freeze and burst, leading to water damage and costly repairs. But if you put it too high, you could waste money on your energy bill and increase the risk of a fire.
Importance of Home Monitoring Systems for Early Detection
Another way to stay safe while you’re away in winter is to use a home monitoring system for early detection. These systems can alert you to potential problems like frozen pipes, water leaks, and gas leaks, so you can take action before they cause home damage.
With a home monitoring system, you can receive alerts on your phone or tablet while you’re away. Some systems even let you view live video footage of your home, so you can see what’s happening in real time.
Other Preventive Measures
In addition to setting your thermostat to the right temperature and using a home monitoring system, there are other preventive measures you can take to stay safe while you’re away in winter.
One measure is to leave your cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around your pipes. This can help prevent them from freezing and bursting.
Another measure is to turn off your water supply before you leave. This can help prevent water damage in case of a pipe burst or leak.
Checking Insurance Policies Related to Winter Damage When Away
Last but not least, make sure to check your insurance policies for winter damage coverage when you’re away. Some policies may cover damage caused by frozen pipes or water leaks, while others may not.
If you’re not sure what your policy covers, give your insurance company a call and ask. They can help you understand your coverage and ensure you’re protected in an emergency.
Additional Tips for Different Types of Homes and Situations
Seasonal Homes and Vacation Properties
If you have a seasonal home or vacation property, you may need to take extra precautions to keep it safe while you’re away in winter. These homes are often located in colder climates and may not be as well-insulated as your primary residence.
To keep your seasonal home or vacation property safe, set your thermostat to the right temperature and use a home monitoring system to detect issues early. Consider hiring a property manager to regularly check your home and make any necessary repairs.
Homes Without Central Heating
If you have a home without central heating, you may need to use alternative heating methods to keep it warm while you’re away in winter. These methods can include space heaters, electric blankets, and heated mattress pads.
When using alternative heating methods, make sure to follow all safety guidelines and keep them away from flammable materials. Consider using a home monitoring system to keep an eye on your home while you’re away.
Homes with Pets or Plants Left Behind
If you have pets or plants left behind while you’re away in winter, you’ll need to take extra precautions to keep them safe and warm. For pets, make sure to leave them with plenty of food, water, and warm bedding. Consider hiring a pet sitter to check on them regularly.
For plants, make sure to water them before you leave and move them away from drafty windows. Consider using a plant sitter or a self-watering system to keep them hydrated while you’re away.
Tips for Landlords and Property Managers
If you’re a landlord or property manager, you have a responsibility to keep your tenants’ homes safe and warm while they’re away in winter. This includes setting the thermostat to the right temperature, using a home monitoring system for early detection, and making any necessary repairs.
To keep your tenants’ homes safe, communicate regularly with them and ask them to report any issues they notice. Consider hiring a property management company to handle these tasks.
Special Considerations for Very Cold Regions or Sudden Cold Snaps
If you live in an icy region or are expecting a sudden cold snap, you may need to take extra precautions to keep your home safe while you’re away in winter. These precautions can include setting your thermostat to a higher temperature, using a home monitoring system for early detection, and insulating vulnerable pipes and areas.
To prepare for a sudden cold snap, keep an eye on the weather forecast and take action early. Consider hiring a professional to winterize your home and make any necessary repairs.
