What Temperature Should You Set Your Thermostat to While You’re Away?
Whether you are leaving for vacation or closing your Middle Tennessee office for several days, you may wonder what temperature to set your thermostat to while the building is empty.
The short answer: adjust the temperature, but do not turn your HVAC system off completely. A reasonable setback can reduce energy use while helping protect your property from excessive heat, humidity and cold.
The U.S. Department of Energy reports that homeowners may save as much as 10% annually on heating and cooling by adjusting their thermostats 7°–10°F for eight hours per day.
What Should You Set Your Thermostat to in Summer?
During a hot, humid Middle Tennessee summer, set your thermostat approximately 7°F higher than your normal occupied temperature.
For example:
If you normally use 74°F, try approximately 81°F.
If you normally use 76°F, try approximately 83°F.
The Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat as high as comfortably possible during summer and raising the temperature when the property is unoccupied. Its summer energy-saving guidance also recommends using a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures.
However, avoid turning the air conditioning off completely. Cooling systems help control indoor moisture as well as temperature. The CDC recommends keeping indoor humidity at 50% or lower and using an air conditioner or dehumidifier when necessary.
Without cooling, a closed home or office can quickly become hot and humid, potentially affecting indoor air quality, furniture, electronics and building materials.
What Should You Set Your Thermostat to in Winter?
For homes and businesses with conventional heating systems, an away temperature of approximately 55°F to 60°F may provide energy savings while helping protect plumbing and building materials during cold weather.
The right setting depends on:
The building’s insulation and condition
How long the property will be empty
The forecasted outdoor temperature
The location of plumbing lines
The type of heating system
The Department of Energy recommends lowering the thermostat when a property is unoccupied, but the building should never become cold enough to put pipes or equipment at risk.
A Special Note About Heat Pumps
Large temperature setbacks may not be the best option for heat pumps. Recovering from a major setback can activate more expensive auxiliary heating. The Department of Energy generally recommends maintaining a moderate, consistent setting unless your thermostat is specifically designed to work with a heat-pump system.
If you are unsure how your equipment operates, an RCI Mechanicals HVAC technician can recommend an appropriate setting for your system.
What About an Office Closed for Several Days?
Businesses should use an unoccupied temperature instead of shutting the HVAC system down.
For a summer office closure:
Raise the thermostat above the normal occupied setting.
Maintain enough cooling to control indoor humidity.
Use an automated schedule if the thermostat supports one.
For a winter closure:
Lower the thermostat while maintaining adequate heat.
Protect plumbing, sprinkler systems and temperature-sensitive equipment.
Avoid major setbacks if the building uses heat pumps.
Commercial thermostat setbacks can reduce operating expenses during nights, weekends and holiday closures. The Center for Energy and Environment explains how thermostat settings can significantly affect commercial heating costs.
RCI Mechanicals also provides facilities management and property maintenance for offices, retail spaces and other commercial properties throughout Middle Tennessee.
Should You Use Vacation Mode?
Yes. If your thermostat offers vacation mode, hold settings or programmable schedules, use them to establish an energy-saving temperature until shortly before you return.
A smart thermostat may also allow you to:
Check indoor temperatures remotely
Monitor humidity
Receive HVAC alerts
Change the schedule if your return date changes
Restore a comfortable temperature before arriving home
Vacation mode is especially helpful during Middle Tennessee weather swings, when a warm afternoon can be followed by a much colder night.
Thermostat Checklist Before You Leave
Before leaving your home or closing your business:
Replace a dirty HVAC filter.
Confirm that the thermostat responds correctly.
Check the weather forecast.
Use vacation mode or an unoccupied schedule.
Make sure supply and return vents are not blocked.
Check indoor humidity levels.
Schedule service if the system struggles to maintain temperature or humidity.
The EPA notes that moisture control is essential for preventing mold growth. If your building regularly feels humid or your HVAC system runs continuously, it is better to address the problem before leaving it unattended.
Need Help Preparing Your HVAC System?
RCI Mechanicals provides residential, commercial and industrial heating and air conditioning services in Murfreesboro and Middle Tennessee. The team can help with HVAC maintenance, repairs, thermostat installation and programming, indoor air quality solutions and commercial system assessments.
If you are unsure about the best vacation thermostat setting for your system, contact RCI Mechanicals before you leave. A properly adjusted thermostat can conserve energy, manage humidity and help protect your property until you return.