What Temp To Set House In Winter When Away

Okay, let's talk winter and vacant houses. The age-old debate: What temperature should you set your thermostat to when you're not home?

Brace yourselves. My answer might ruffle some feathers.

The Great Temperature Debate

Everyone has an opinion. Your neighbor, your dad, that guy at the hardware store... they're all experts.

They’ll tell you horror stories of frozen pipes and astronomical repair bills.

They preach about the delicate balance of maintaining a reasonable temperature.

The "Sensible" Suggestions

Most folks will advise you to set it around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Seems logical, right?

It's warm enough to (supposedly) prevent frozen pipes.

Plus, it won’t bankrupt you with heating costs. The sensible approach... or is it?

My "Unpopular" Opinion

Here it comes. Deep breaths, everyone.

I say... turn that thing OFF!

Yes, you read that right. Off. Zilch. Nada.

The Case for "Off"

Hear me out! I have my reasons.

First, let's talk about location. I live where winters are cold, but not Arctic cold.

Think frosty mornings, not months of sub-zero temperatures.

The Pipe Dream (Pun Intended!)

The biggest fear is always the pipes. But honestly, how likely is that really?

Unless your house is built like a poorly insulated popsicle, your pipes are probably fine.

They're typically tucked away in interior walls. They are usually somewhat protected from the elements.

Money, Money, Money!

The biggest benefit? Savings! Heating a vacant house to 55 degrees for weeks is a waste.

All that money goes poof into the cold winter air.

Think of all the fun things you could buy with that extra cash. A tropical vacation, perhaps?

The "But What If?" Factor

I know, I know. "But what if something goes wrong?!"

Okay, fair point. Let's address the "what ifs."

This is where a little preparation comes in handy.

Preparation is Key

Turning off the heat isn't about reckless abandon. It’s about smart precautions.

A little bit of planning goes a long way.

Consider these steps before you flip that switch to "off."

Insulation Inspection

Check your insulation. Especially in attics and crawl spaces. Is it adequate?

If it's thin or damaged, now's the time to upgrade.

Good insulation is your best friend in preventing frozen pipes.

Seal the Cracks

Drafts are the enemy! Seal up any cracks or gaps around windows and doors.

Caulk and weather stripping are cheap and effective.

This also helps keep the house warmer when you are home.

Faucet Protection

This is a popular compromise. Drip your faucets slightly.

A tiny trickle of water keeps the water moving. It can prevent freezing.

This is especially important for faucets on exterior walls.

The Empty Argument

A lot of people say keep the heat on so the house feels occupied.

Burglars look for uninhabited homes. I would rather have a sign that a neighbor is watching the place.

You can also have lights come on and off to mimic occupancy.

Consider a Smart Thermostat

Even I'll admit, completely "off" isn't always the best for everyone.

A smart thermostat lets you monitor and control the temperature remotely. The Nest is a great option.

You can set a low temperature as a backup. If there’s a sudden cold snap, you can adjust it from your phone.

The Environmental Angle

Let's not forget about the environment. Heating an empty house is wasteful.

Burning less fuel reduces your carbon footprint.

Doing your part for the planet? Now that's a warm feeling.

The "It Depends" Disclaimer

Of course, this isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Your mileage may vary.

Climate, house construction, personal risk tolerance... all factors.

If you live in Alaska, ignore everything I just said.

Listen to Your Gut (And Maybe Your Plumber)

Ultimately, the decision is yours. Weigh the risks and benefits.

If you're really unsure, consult a professional. A plumber can assess your home’s vulnerability to freezing.

Trust your instincts! If you feel uneasy turning the heat off, don't.

The Joy of Coming Home

Imagine this: You return from your trip. The house is... cool.

But you saved a ton of money! You crank up the heat. You make a cup of hot cocoa.

Within a few hours, everything is back to normal. And you're richer for it!

My Final Thoughts

So, there you have it. My controversial stance on winter thermostats.

Turn it off! (With precautions, of course.)

Embrace the savings. Enjoy the peace of mind. And maybe buy yourself something nice with the extra cash!

The Fine Print

I am not a heating expert, a plumber, or a psychic. I am not responsible for frozen pipes. Or a cold house.

This is just my opinion. Based on my experiences.

Consult with a professional. Before making any drastic decisions. Disclaimer: I am not a professional.

The "What About..." Questions

I know what you're thinking. "What about my plants?" "What about my antique furniture?"

Good questions! But those are topics for another day.

For now, let's focus on the core issue: the thermostat setting.

A Call to Action (Sort Of)

What do YOU do with your thermostat when you leave in the winter?

Are you a "55 degrees or bust" kind of person? Or are you a fellow "off" enthusiast?

Share your thoughts in the comments! (Or don't. It's your call.)

One Last Thing...

Don't forget to unplug appliances. Minimize phantom energy drain!

Turn off lights. Be a responsible energy consumer.

Enjoy your trip! And come home to a (slightly cooler) house.

The Future of Home Heating

Who knows what the future holds for home heating technology?

Maybe someday we'll have self-regulating houses that automatically adjust to the optimal temperature.

Until then, we're stuck with the age-old thermostat debate.

The End (For Real This Time)

Okay, I'm done. I've said my piece.

Go forth and conquer your winter thermostat woes!

And remember: Stay warm (or cool, depending on your preference!).