The Ultimate Guide: Should I Leave Heat On When Away?
When the question “Should I leave heat on when away?” comes to mind, it’s often a bit more complex than a simple yes or no answer. The answer heavily depends on the type of heating system in your house, the climate, and many other factors. In the next few paragraphs, we’ll dive into the specifics and guide you on making the best decision for your unique situation.
Generally, you don’t need to keep the heating running when you’re not at home. This is the consensus among most heating experts. Cutting down on the hours your heating system operates, or even switching it off completely, not only conserves energy but also lowers your heating expenses. The U.S. Department of Energy, for instance, suggests lowering your thermostat by 10-15 degrees during your absence as a strategy to conserve energy.
However, the answer to “Should I leave heat on when away?” isn’t always a clear cut. Sometimes, leaving your heat on at a lower setting is the most sensible choice. This particularly holds true if you reside in regions known for their harsh, freezing temperatures. Keeping your heating system on, albeit at a lower temperature, can protect your pipes from freezing and subsequent bursting. Furthermore, if you’re a pet owner or have indoor plants that require a certain temperature to thrive, leaving your heat on could be essential.
Tips to Keep Your Home Safe and Comfortable When Away
When you’ve made up your mind to turn off or lower the heat while you’re away, you can take further steps to ensure your home remains safe and comfortable.
Firstly, think about insulating your pipes. This will offer an extra layer of protection against freezing, especially in cold climates. Secondly, it’s worthwhile to consider investing in a smart thermostat. This handy device can be programmed to gradually warm up your house before you arrive, guaranteeing a warm welcome home.
Making Use of Temperature Alarms
A temperature alarm is another valuable tool to consider. This gadget sounds an alarm if the temperature in your house drops beyond a set point, providing an indication that your pipes might be at risk of freezing. More advanced temperature alarms can even link to your smartphone, allowing you to receive notifications wherever you are.
Additional Measures to Protect Your Home
In addition to the above measures, there are a few more steps you can take to ensure your home stays safe and secure when you’re away, even in cold weather.
- Seal any leaks: Ensure that your doors, windows, and other parts of your home are well-sealed to prevent cold air from coming in and warm air from escaping.
- Use ceiling fans: If your home has ceiling fans, use them to your advantage. By running them in reverse, you can circulate warm air that has risen to the ceiling back down into your living space.
- Insulate your home: Invest in quality insulation for your walls, attic, and floors. This will keep your home warmer for longer and decrease the workload on your heating system.
- Install storm windows: These offer an extra barrier against cold air and can significantly reduce heat loss.
- Use a programmable thermostat: We mentioned this earlier, but it’s worth repeating. A programmable thermostat can be a real game-changer when it comes to managing your home’s heat efficiently.
- Have your heating system serviced regularly: Routine maintenance can prevent unexpected breakdowns and ensure that your heating system is working at its most efficient.
The Final Verdict: Should I Leave Heat On When Away?
At the end of the day, deciding whether to leave your heat on when you’re away from home boils down to your specific situation. If you reside in a temperate region and don’t have plants or pets that need a specific temperature, then you can comfortably turn down or switch off your heat while away. On the other hand, if you live in an area with a harsh winter climate or have other special considerations, it’s often wise to leave your heat on at a low setting. Whatever your decision, it’s vital to take steps to ensure your home remains safe and comfortable.
FAQs
❖ What temperature should I set my thermostat to when I’m away?
The optimal temperature to set your thermostat to when you’re away varies based on the season and climate of your location. However, a good rule of thumb is to lower it by 10-15 degrees in the winter to conserve energy.
❖ Is it safe to leave the heat on when I’m not home?
Yes, it is generally safe to leave your heat on when you’re not home, especially if it’s at a lower setting. It’s a good precaution to prevent issues such as frozen pipes in cold climates.
❖ How long can I leave my heat off in the winter when I’m away?
How long you can leave your heat off depends on the temperature and climate where you live. If temperatures drop below freezing, you should not turn off your heat. But if the climate is mild, you can leave it off for as long as you’re away.
❖ Will my pipes freeze if I turn off the heat?
The risk of your pipes freezing increases if the heat is turned off in extremely cold weather. It’s best to leave the heat on at a lower setting to prevent this.
❖ What is the most energy-efficient temperature for my home when I’m away?
Setting your thermostat 7-10 degrees lower than its normal setting for 8 hours per day can help you save as much as 10% per year on heating and cooling costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
❖ Can smart thermostats help save energy when I’m away?
Absolutely! Smart thermostats can be programmed to adjust the temperature of your home based on your daily routines. They can lower the heat when you’re away and increase it just before you get back, ensuring maximum energy efficiency.
❖ What precautions should I take before leaving my home during winter?
Before you leave home during winter, make sure to insulate your pipes, seal any leaks, and set your thermostat to a temperature that will prevent your pipes from freezing. You can also consider having a neighbor or friend check on your home periodically.
❖ Does turning off the heat damage the heating system?
No, turning off your heating system when not in use will not cause damage. In fact, it could potentially extend its life by reducing wear and tear.
❖ What are some energy-saving tips for heating my home?
There are several strategies for saving energy on heating, such as sealing any drafts, insulating your home, setting your thermostat to an efficient temperature, and using energy-efficient heating systems.
❖ How can I keep my home warm without turning up the heat?
There are a few ways to keep your home warm without cranking up the heat. This includes using thick curtains to keep out drafts, using space heaters in rooms you’re using, and insulating your home well.