Ideal Thermostat Settings for Fall Getaways

If you have a fall getaway coming up, it’s time to consider what temperature to leave your Middletown home at while you’re away. Cooler fall temperatures mean that you’ll most likely be using your heating system soon enough, but does it need to be on when you’re gone? Learn more about the ideal thermostat settings during a fall vacation.

Turn Down or Shut Off?

Should you lower your thermostat when you leave, so that your furnace or heat pump doesn’t run as often, or should you shut it off completely? Fall temperatures aren’t usually as cold as winter ones in the Middletown area, but evenings and nights can still get chilly. Although no one will be home, you should avoid shutting your heating system off entirely. Doing so causes it to work much harder to get your home heated to a comfortable temperature when you get back. This can lead to wear and tear on your system, which could result in repairs.

How Low Should Thermostat Settings Be?

The temperature you set your thermostat at should be lower than it is when you’re normally around, since this saves you money on heating costs and means your heating system runs less often. You should set your thermostat about four degrees lower than normal before leaving your home. Setting it too low or not having it on puts your home at risk of damage from colder temperatures.

Do You Have Pets?

If you’ll be leaving your pets at home and having someone come over to care for them, make sure your thermostat settings are at a comfortable temperature. You can leave your thermostat at its normal setting to ensure that your pets and pet sitter are warm enough while you’re on vacation. Avoid turning your thermostat up higher, since too much warmth could be dangerous for your pets.

If you need HVAC maintenance before your fall vacation or if you’re interested in a programmable thermostat, contact C.R. Wolfe Heating and Air Conditioning in Middletown. Our technicians can make sure your HVAC system is in good shape before you leave.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Middletown, New York about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about thermostats and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 845-367-4482.