Why Thermostat Settings Matter When You're Away It’s Not Just About Saving Energy

Leaving your thermostat unchecked while you're away can lead to:

• Higher energy bills
• Unnecessary strain on your HVAC system
• Humidity issues that damage furniture and electronics
• Uncomfortable conditions when you return

Simply turning your system off isn’t the answer—it can cost more and create problems when temperatures spike or drop. The key is finding the smart middle ground that protects your home and system while reducing energy use.

The Ideal Thermostat Settings While You’re Gone

Summer Settings

• When away during summer, set your thermostat to 85°F. This keeps your home safe from humidity, prevents system stress, and saves energy.
• If pets or sensitive electronics are inside, aim for 78–80°F instead.

Winter Settings

• In colder months, set your thermostat to 55–60°F to prevent pipes from freezing while still saving on heating.

Short Trip vs. Long Vacation

• Short trip (1–3 days): Slightly raise or lower the temp, but keep it within range of comfort.
• Extended trip (4+ days): Use vacation mode if you have a smart thermostat, or manually adjust to the recommended levels above.

What Happens If You Turn the AC Off Completely?

Not a Good Idea Turning your HVAC system off entirely during hot months can lead to:

• Dangerous heat and humidity build-up
• Warped floors, mold growth, and damaged electronics
• Longer, energy-draining cooldown periods when you return

It’s safer and more efficient to keep the system running at a higher, controlled temperature rather than off. Use Smart Thermostats for Total Control Smart thermostats make managing your HVAC system while away easy:

• Remote control via smartphone
• Vacation mode settings
• Energy-saving reports
• Automatic scheduling

How HVAC365 Helps You Travel Smarter

Whether you’re gone for a weekend or a month, HVAC365 helps you protect your home and maintain system performance while you’re away. Our Homeowner’s Toolkit offers expert tips, seasonal checklists, and practical advice to keep your HVAC system running efficiently year-round—no matter where you are.

What to Do Before You Leave Home

 Before any trip or time away:

• Set your thermostat to the right temperature (78–85°F in summer, 55–60°F in winter)
• Use a smart thermostat, if possible, replace your air filter
• Close blinds and curtains to reduce heat gain
• Check for air leaks around windows and doors

These quick steps protect your system, save energy, and ensure a stress-free return.

Ready to Travel Smarter?

Leaving home doesn’t have to mean wasting energy or risking HVAC damage. With the right thermostat settings and smart tools from HVAC365, you can save money, stay efficient, and keep your home protected—even while you’re away. Ready to upgrade smart? Find your ideal system now → HVAC365.com

TL;DR

Heading out for a summer trip or just leaving the house for work? Don’t shut your AC off completely. Adjusting your thermostat to the right “away” temperature helps protect your HVAC system, save money, and keep your home safe from heat or humidity damage. In this blog, HVAC365 shows you how to find the perfect temperature while you’re gone and offers tools to make it effortless year-round.