Getting ready for a trip usually means packing bags, setting timers for lights, and making sure the mail is on hold. But one of the most important pre-vacation tasks often gets overlooked: adjusting your thermostat. Choosing the right setting thermostat for vacation not only helps save energy, but it is also a tool to protect your home while you’re away. Here’s how to decide the best settings for both summer and winter, plus smart ways to make adjustments easy with Honeywell Home thermostats.
Why thermostat settings matter when traveling
Leaving your thermostat set to your normal schedule while you’re away can waste energy and drive-up utility costs. On the other hand, turning it off completely may cause problems like frozen pipes in winter or excessive humidity in summer.
Finding the right balance keeps your home safe and your bills manageable. That’s why so many homeowners wonder about the best approach for thermostat on vacation adjustments.
What temperature to set thermostat when on vacation in winter
Cold weather brings special concerns, and preventing frost on your pipes is a top priority. If the temperature inside your home drops too low, there’s a risk of freezing and bursting. To avoid this:
- Set your thermostat to around 55–60°F before leaving. This keeps the interior above freezing without wasting unnecessary energy heating an empty house.
- If you have sensitive items like houseplants or aquariums, consider staying close to 60°F.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing.
Honeywell Home smart thermostats also allow you to check and adjust your home’s temperature from anywhere. That way, if a cold snap is coming, you can bump the heat up without cutting your trip short.
Thermostat setting for summer vacation
When you’re away in warm weather, the goal is to reduce energy use without creating excess humidity or heat that can damage your home.
- Set your thermostat to 85–88°F if you’ll be gone for a week or more.
- For short trips, a setting around 78–80°F is usually sufficient.
- Keep blinds or curtains closed to block out direct sunlight and reduce heat buildup.
These settings help your air conditioner cycle less often while helping to prevent conditions that encourage mold or damage to electronics and furniture.
Weekend getaways vs. long trips
Your approach may change depending on the length of your vacation. For weekend trips, small adjustments (a few degrees warmer in summer or cooler in winter) are enough. For multi-week absences, you’ll want more dramatic changes to maximize savings.
That’s where programmable and smart thermostats shine. With Honeywell Home models, you can create custom schedules or adjust the temperature remotely. If your flight arrives late, you can even reset the thermostat from your phone, so the house is comfortable when you arrive.
Tips for smart vacation thermostat use
- Use scheduling features: Program the thermostat to switch to vacation mode when you leave and return to normal settings before you come back.
- Check humidity: Some Honeywell Home thermostats pair with whole-home dehumidifiers to keep moisture levels balanced while you’re gone.
- Monitor energy use: Smart models can track runtime and energy savings, so you know your adjustments are paying off.
When not to turn your system off completely
It may be tempting to just shut off your HVAC system while you’re away, but that can create more problems than it solves. Without climate control:
- In winter, pipes are at risk of freezing.
- In summer, humidity can build up and damage wood floors, walls, or furniture.
- Your home may become uncomfortable for pets or house sitters checking in.
Knowing what temperature to set the thermostat when on vacation in winter or finding the right thermostat setting for summer vacation can save money and help protect your home. The general rule: Aim for 55–60°F in cold months and 78–88°F in warm months, adjusting based on trip length and local conditions.
|
Season |
Recommended Setting |
Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
|
Winter |
55–60°F |
Helps prevent frozen pipes while reducing unnecessary heating costs. |
|
Summer |
78–80°F (short trip) |
Cuts down on cooling use while preventing humidity and heat damage. |
|
Weekend Getaway |
Adjust just a few degrees (cooler in winter, warmer in summer) |
Saves energy without noticeable impact during short trips. |
|
Smart Thermostat Users |
Use vacation mode or remote access via app |
Manage settings from anywhere and return to a comfortable home. |
By planning your setting thermostat for vacation carefully, you’ll avoid waste, help protect your home, and return to a comfortable space. And with Honeywell Home smart thermostats, adjusting your thermostat on vacation is as simple as opening an app, no matter how far from home you are.