Should I Turn Off my HVAC when going Out of Town?

01 Nov Should I Turn Off my HVAC when going Out of Town?

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SERVING AREAS OF BRISTOL, JOHNSON CITY, AND KINGSPORT TN

The short answer, it depends on several factors. With the holiday season upon us, Kingsport residents are preparing for out of town travel to visit family and friends. As you prepare to be away from your home for an extended time, it’s essential to ensure your home’s systems are properly cared for and prepared as well. Today on the blog, HVAC technicians in Kingsport at Thompson Electrical Service talk about a common topic – should you turn off your HVAC when going out of town?

Managing your HVAC while out of town

There are a few factors to consider  – how long you will be gone, weather, and efficiency.

Length of Vacation

If you’re only going to be out of town for a day or two, it’s best to leave your HVAC turned on. Although you may want to turn the thermostat down a few degrees from what you normally keep it when you’re at home. Doing so prevents the unit from running as often while you’re gone, which essentially wastes energy and means you’re paying to heat or cool your home even when you’re not there.

If you plan on staying gone for a week or more, consider adjusting your thermostat even lower during cooler months or higher during the warmer season. However, during the winter, you don’t want to shut off your unit entirely, as it could cause pipes to freeze and bust. Plus, it can take a considerable amount of energy to warm a freezing cold house after you arrive home. When traveling for an extended period during the winter, you should keep your home’s temperature no lower than 65 degrees.

A programable thermostat is handy for times like this. You can set away schedules so that you don’t even have to remember to adjust the thermostat before you leave. You may need the temperature to rise at night when it’s mostly cold, and lower during the day when it is warmer outside. Some HVAC thermostats pair with a smartphone app that allows you to adjust the temperature of your home accordingly, even if you left town and completely forgot to adjust the thermostat.

Weather

The weather plays a big part in determining the best temperature for your home while you’re away. If mild temperatures are in the forecast, as in not too cold at night and reasonable during the day, you may consider turning off your unit entirely. However, as winter weather moves in, keep in mind the freezing temperatures could affect your home if your HVAC unit is cut off. That is why you want to maintain a comfortable temperature inside your home during the winter, even if you’re going to be gone for a while.

Efficiency

Your home’s efficiency is a determining factor in how you should adjust your thermostat when preparing to go out of town. Attics with ample insulation, energy-efficient windows, and low air infiltration may not require as much to maintain a comfortable temperature. These energy-efficient factors keep the warm air inside and the cold air out. Therefore, we cannot recommend the precise temperature that your thermostat should be set to when you go out of town. Every home is different.

HVAC Installation in Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol

One of the best ways to ensure your HVAC unit runs all season long, including while you’re out of town, is to schedule a maintenance tune-up. Our qualified technicians ensure that your unit is clean and in working order so that you don’t have to worry about a total unit failure while you’re out of town. To learn more or schedule a tune-up, call Thompson Electrical Service at (423) 840-7457.