When you leave your house for vacation, one of the best things you can do to save energy is switch your thermostat over to vacation mode. Programmable thermostats make turning vacation mode on quite easy. But homes without smart thermostats can still set their home’s temperature to maintain an ideal away temperature. Which will inevitably save money. We’ve put together a very brief guide on how to control your indoor environment while you’re away on vacation.
Summertime Thermostat Vacation Mode
Are you going to leave your house during the summer for vacation? If so it is crucial that you set your thermostat to a temperature that will save energy; but also keep your refrigerator from working too hard and keep humidity at bay. We recommend that you increase the temperature in your home by 5 degrees (with a maximum of 82 degrees) while you are on vacation. For each degree that the temperature is raised, you can actually save 2-3% on your electricity bill.
Winter Vacation Mode
Are you are taking a vacation during the winter months? We suggest that you decrease the temperature in your home by about 5 degrees (with a minimum of 50 degrees). Homeowners can reduce the heat in their homes just enough to save energy; but not too much to risk burst pipes in case the area goes through a severe cold snap.
Programmable Thermostat Vacation Mode
Do you have a smart thermostat or a programmable one? Definitely check out the user’s guide to see what vacation mode settings are included with the unit. There may be specific recommendations. Or the thermostat might include a one-touch vacation-mode option. In addition, many smart thermostats will connect to a mobile phone app and you can adjust the temperature while you’re away.
By setting your thermostat to vacation mode or by adjusting it a few degrees up or down, you can save on your energy bill while you’re away on vacation. You don’t have to have a smart thermostat to accomplish this, all it takes is a few minutes of your time and this handy guide.
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