For unoccupied or unused rooms, set the thermostat between 55∘F 55∘F and 60∘F 60∘F in the winter to prevent freezing pipes and mold. In the summer, set it between 78∘F 78∘F and 85∘F 85∘F to control humidity while saving energy.
Summary: Best Thermostat Settings While You're Away
Winter (vacant): 55°F to avoid frozen pipes. Summer (vacant): 78–85°F to prevent mold and heat damage. Use a smart thermostat for control and efficiency. Always replace HVAC filters before leaving.
No, 65°F is not too cold; it is widely considered the ideal bedroom temperature for quality sleep.
Should I turn radiators off in rooms I don't use? Turning off radiators in unused rooms can save energy, but it may also cause issues such as dampness and uneven heat distribution. A better approach is to lower the temperature rather than turning them off completely.
When leaving your home, set your thermostat at least 7∘F7 raised to the composed with power F7∘F to 10∘F10 raised to the composed with power F10∘F away from your usual setting. The exact lowest limit depends on the season:
The Home's Thermal Balance
Heat always moves from warmer areas to colder ones. When a room is not heated, it becomes a cold zone toward which heat from adjacent rooms continuously migrates.
Check your home insurance policy before leaving a property vacant – almost every policy will have a limit of 1-3 months before the policy is void. It's a good idea to check rent guarantee insurance policies too if you're relying on the income during the period the property is empty.
The Department of Energy (DOE) generally advises against closing doors to unused rooms. Surprisingly, closing interior doors can increase your energy bills and put unnecessary strain on your HVAC system. Here's why.
It takes time for your home to warm up and cool down. If you're not sure how long it takes, try turning the heating on about 30 minutes before you need it. You should turn it off 30 minutes before you'll stop needing it.
To heat a room without a heater, trap existing warmth and insulate your space. Block drafts under doors using a rolled-up towel or Draft Stoppers, cover drafty windows with bubble wrap or clear film, and use Thermal Curtains to block the cold.
Older people frequently wake up at 3 a.m. due to advanced sleep phase (a biological shift where the body clock advances, causing people to get tired and wake up earlier), reduced time in deep restorative sleep, and lower melatonin levels, making them more sensitive to environmental disturbances.
Japanese people typically sleep in cooler bedroom temperatures, averaging around 55∘F55 raised to the composed with power F𝟓𝟓∘𝐅 (13∘C13 raised to the composed with power C𝟏𝟑∘𝐂) during the winter. Because traditional homes often have low insulation and bedrooms are rarely heated overnight, comfort relies heavily on layering thermal pajamas and using thick, insulating comforters (kakefuton).
There are two common frameworks associated with sleep that go by the "3-3-3" rule.
Keep your thermostat set to a minimum of 55°F (13°C) to keep your pipes from freezing. If you are leaving the house for an extended period, maintain this temperature to ensure heat reaches the walls where pipes are located.
In general, industry experts say you can set your thermostat between 50 and 65 degrees when you're away in winter. But don't go lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit, or you run the risk of pipes freezing in extreme cold.
These policy recommendations are aligned with many of the goals identified in the 2022 California Extreme Heat Action Plan (EHAP). The state should consider a general maximum safe indoor air temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit (27.8 degrees Celsius) for residential dwelling units.
In most homes, Heating and Cooling (HVAC) systems drive the highest energy costs, accounting for nearly 40% to 50% of your total electricity bill. Following these, the appliances that run up your bill the most include water heaters, refrigerators, and laundry machines.
Heating and energy expert Stephen Hankinson said that one "big energy cost saver" is to make sure you have your heating off when you're not at home. For instance, if you typically arrive home from work at around 6pm on weekdays, you could set your heating to activate just as you walk through the door.
Cold homes contribute to excess winter mortality and morbidity. Most of the health burden can be attributed to both respiratory and cardiovascular disease, especially for older people. In children, the excess winter health burden is mostly due to respiratory disease.
In uninsulated or poorly maintained crawl spaces, the lack of temperature control makes your pipes particularly vulnerable to freezing during cold snaps.
Winter Heating Myths: Are Open Doors Better for Warmth? Yes, open doors are generally better in winter to maintain a consistent temperature. They allow your heating system to distribute warm air evenly across rooms, improving comfort and efficiency while preventing energy waste.
Homebuyers: Look for Signs of Poor Maintenance
Since demand outweighs supply, housing prices are higher, and homes sell faster. Meanwhile, the worst months to sell a house are November through March or during the fall to winter, when potential buyers are preoccupied with holiday plans. Sellers should expect lower sales prices and higher DOM during these months.
Here is what to think about when you are prepare for extended time away: