what to leave heat on while away in winter

3 min read 24-12-2024

what to leave heat on while away in winter

Winter's chill can wreak havoc on your home if you're away for an extended period. Knowing what to leave your heat on for while you're gone is crucial to preventing frozen pipes, costly repairs, and a freezing cold house upon your return. This guide helps you navigate the delicate balance between energy efficiency and home protection.

Understanding the Risks of Turning Off Your Heat

Turning off your heat completely during a winter absence, even for a short trip, carries significant risks:

Frozen Pipes: This is the most serious risk. Frozen pipes can burst, leading to extensive water damage, mold growth, and expensive repairs. The damage can be far greater than the cost of running your heating system for a short time.
Damage to Interior Walls: Frozen pipes aren't the only problem. Extreme cold can damage the interior walls themselves. This can lead to structural issues down the road.
Unpleasant Return: Coming home to a freezing house is far from ideal. You'll have to spend time and energy warming the place back up.

How Low Should You Set Your Thermostat?

The ideal temperature setting while you're away depends on several factors, including the length of your absence, the climate in your area, and the construction of your home. However, a generally recommended range is 55-68°F (13-20°C). Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Short Trips (Less than a Week):

A setting of 60-65°F (15-18°C) is usually sufficient. This will prevent freezing and maintain a comfortable temperature upon your return without significant energy waste.

Longer Trips (More than a Week):

55-60°F (13-15°C) is a safer bet for longer absences, especially in colder climates. This still minimizes the risk of frozen pipes while being more energy efficient than higher temperatures.

Extremely Cold Climates:

Consider keeping the thermostat higher, even if it means using more energy. The cost of repairing frozen pipes significantly outweighs the cost of heating your home.

What Else Can You Do to Protect Your Home?

Lowering your thermostat isn't the only step you should take. Consider these additional measures:

Insulate Pipes: Wrapping pipes in insulation can significantly reduce the risk of freezing, especially in exposed areas like basements or garages.
Let Some Water Drip: Allowing a slow drip of water from faucets, particularly those on exterior walls, can help prevent pipes from freezing.
Open Cabinet Doors: Opening cabinet doors under sinks allows warmer air to circulate around pipes.
Leave a Light On: A single light on can offer some supplemental warmth and provide a sense of occupancy (deterring potential burglars).
Inform a Neighbor: Let a trusted neighbor know you'll be gone and ask them to keep an eye on your home.

Smart Home Technology for Temperature Control

Smart thermostats offer excellent control over your home's temperature, even when you're away. Features such as geofencing (automatically adjusting temperature based on your location) and programmable schedules can optimize energy use while ensuring your home stays at a safe temperature.

When to Turn Off Your Heat (Rare Circumstances):

There are very few situations where completely turning off your heat is advisable. This usually only applies in warmer climates where freezing temperatures are unlikely, and you have taken extensive precautions to protect your plumbing.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety

While energy conservation is important, protecting your home from winter's harsh conditions is paramount. Maintaining a minimum temperature and taking additional preventative measures will ensure a comfortable and damage-free return to your home, even after an extended absence. Remember to weigh the cost of slightly higher energy bills against the potentially devastating consequences of frozen pipes. Don't risk it; keep your home warm enough to prevent disaster.