A Guide to Setting Your Thermostat on Vacation

At Bear AC & Heating, we understand going on vacation can be stressful. Even if you're excited to get away from the daily grind, there are many things to consider when leaving your home unoccupied. One of the most common concerns is what to do with your thermostat. Should you turn it off completely? Should you leave it on and at what temperature? In this blog, we'll answer those questions and give you some tips to keep your home safe and comfortable while you're away.

Firstly, our experts would recommend keeping your thermostat on while you're on vacation. Why? Because shutting off your HVAC completely can cause moisture buildup, leading to mold growth and other issues when you return. Plus, your home will be prone to extreme temperature fluctuations, which isn't good for your possessions or your property. Instead, set your thermostat to a temperature that will keep your home stable without wasting energy. We recommend setting it to 85 degrees in the summer and 50 degrees in the winter.

As another consideration -  investing in a programmable thermostat is widely considered a beneficial investment. These devices allow you to set a schedule for your HVAC system based on your daily routines. For example, you can program it to lower the temperature when you're away at work, and raise it before you return. When you're going on vacation, you can set the "vacation mode" on your thermostat, which will keep your home at a stable temperature while using less energy. This way, you can save money on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

Another tip for keeping your home safe and comfortable while on vacation is to close your curtains or blinds. This will block out the sun, which can cause your home to heat up quickly in the summer. You can also install reflective window film to keep the sun's rays from penetrating your windows. This film is especially useful if you have large windows or live in an area with a lot of sun exposure.

One last point would be to make sure your HVAC system is in good working order before you leave. That means changing your air filters, cleaning your vents, and scheduling a maintenance check with a professional technician. Doing so will ensure that your HVAC system is running efficiently, which can help prevent breakdowns and costly repairs. It also means that your home will stay comfortable while you're away, which can give you peace of mind. Bear AC & Heating has many years of experience providing maintenance and repair services, and we’re standing by to help.

Going on vacation should be fun and relaxing, not stressful. By following these tips, you can keep your home safe and comfortable while you're away, without wasting energy or risking damage to your property. If you have any questions about setting your thermostat on vacation, contact a local HVAC professional, like the ones at Bear AC & Heating, for advice and assistance. Happy travels!