What Temperature to Set Your Thermostat to When on Vacation in Winter to Save on Heating Bills

Whether you're off on a long weekend or extended winter vacation, save money while keeping your pipes from freezing by lowering the temperature on your thermostat. The exact temp you choose depends on when your home was built, how insulated it is, and whether you have pets or houseplants staying at home. Learn what temperature to set your thermostat when on vacation in the winter and how to save on energy bills throughout the cooler months. 

What Temperature to Set Your Thermostat When on Vacation in Winter

In most cases, you should set your thermostat to a minimum of 55 degrees Fahrenheit to keep your pipes and appliances from freezing and to avoid mold. If you have houseplants, opt for 60 degrees to keep them alive. If your pets are staying home, set your thermostat to 68 degrees to ensure their safety and comfort. Whether you’re going away for a weekend or a whole winter, lowering the temperature in your home could save up to 10% on your heating costs.

Preventing Pipes From Freezing

You should not turn your heat off in the winter, as the warmth protects your pipes and appliances from freezing, which can cause expensive property damage. The exact temperature you set for your house depends on how well-insulated it is and how evenly heat is distributed throughout your home. 

If your house was built after 1990, you can set your thermostat to a minimum of 50 degrees to keep the pipes from freezing. Keep it at 55 degrees if your house was built before 1990 and especially before 1970. Why the difference? After 1990, builders made houses with fewer air gaps and better insulation. Houses that are older can have cold spots and require a higher temperature to ensure the entire home is protected. 

Keep your cabinet doors under your sinks open to allow warm air to circulate around your pipes. Turn off your water at the main valve to prevent plumbing emergencies. Drip your faucets to further prevent your pipes from freezing.  

Preventing Mold Growth

If the humidity in your home gets too high, mold can grow in your walls and throughout your home. A higher temperature in your home helps keep humidity at bay, as warmer air can hold more water. 

Your indoor humidity should fall between 30% and 50% during the winter months. Many thermostats gauge humidity, and if you have a smart thermostat, you can check your humidity levels even while you’re away. Turn up the temperature in the home if you notice the humidity getting too high.

How to Save on Heating Bills in the Winter

Beyond adjusting your thermostat’s temperature when on vacation in the winter, you can lower your heating bills by making a few key improvements and properly maintaining your system.

Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat

Replace your thermostat with a programmable or smart thermostat that can handle automatic temperature settings. You can save between 10% and 12% on your heating bills by controlling the temperature during the day, night, and while on vacation.

Opt for a Lower Temperature

Consider a temperature in your home that’s one or two degrees lower than your normal temperature. Each degree you lower your thermostat can save you up to 2% on your heating bill. If your family is accustomed to a 70-degree house, consider lowering it to 68 or 69 degrees. Lower the temperature at night to 63 degrees for better sleeping and bigger savings. 

Maintain Furnace and HVAC Systems

If you tune up your furnace and HVAC at least once a year, you can ensure it's running optimally. HVAC maintenance includes replacing filters and inspecting heating elements for damage. You can hire an HVAC pro or handle it yourself, but always follow furnace safety guidelines.

Invest in a New Energy-Efficient HVAC System

If your existing furnace is over 15 years old, you may want to consider swapping to a new energy-efficient system to save on heating expenses. Look at the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings to see how much energy an HVAC system uses. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient the system is.

You could also choose a multi-zone HVAC system that allows you to set different temperatures for different parts of your home. Work with a local HVAC pro to determine the most efficient system for your home’s square footage and layout. 

Seal Your Home From Drafts

During the colder months, warm air leaking out of your home causes your HVAC system to work overtime to keep your home comfortable. You can seal the drafts in your home by caulking the windows and doors, adding weatherstripping to your doors and windows, and sealing up drywall gaps. You can also seal loose and leaky ductwork with aluminum duct tape or mastic sealant.

Add Insulation

Keep your home warmer and more airtight by increasing insulation in key areas of your home. Add insulation to the rim joists in your basement, floors above the crawl space, in your attic, and in your exterior walls for the most noticeable results. Work with a local insulation company to determine the best type of insulation for each space.

Choose Thermal Curtains

Insulated window treatments can keep your home better insulated during the winter by preventing cold air from seeping in and warm air from escaping. Keep your curtains closed to prevent your HVAC system from working overtime to maintain a warm space.