What temp do you set thermostat while you are away on vacation?

[niklynn1]

Leaving on our cruise soon. I would like to adjust the thermostat to save money while we are gone. We live in Iowa, where the average temp should be in the low teens overnight and 20s and 30s in the daytime.

For those of you in similar climates, what temp would you set your thermostat for? Dog will be at my parents house, so only things in the house of concern are some houseplants, and of course, don't want the pipes to freeze or anything.

Suggestions? Thanks!

 

[QVCshopper]

We went to Disney last Jan/Feb for 11 days (from PA) and left ours somewhere between 50 and 55 (maybe 52?). It's a year ago and I can't remember exactly, but everything was fine when we got back.

 

[amez]

we usually go around 52 degrees as well.

 

[ragtopday]

I do 55 here in New Hampshire. 50 would probably be good enough though.

 

[dfchelbay]

We set ours to 45. We just make sure it's warm enough for the pipes. When we get back, the first thing we do is turn up the thermostat. No one is allowed to run water or flush, until the house is warmed up. We check all the toilets and faucets as soon as the house temperature is elevated. We are lucky in that most of our faucets, toilets, sinks, etc are mostly on interior walls, and not exterior, which helps and our lower level where the water comes into the house is completely heated with an emergency censor, in case there is ever an electricity outage, it will flip over to auxiliary for heat.

 

[Mrs. Charming]

We just got back and ours was on 50. I was sick as a dog coming back and I was cursing myself because it was so cold!! However, I probably would have cursed myself if I were well and got the bill for heating an empty house for a week!

 

[farmermr]

we generally keep it set at 50-52 and we've had good luck so far.

 

[fuzzyjelly]

We keep ours at 68, but we have cats. I'd say low 50's if we didn't.

 

[niklynn1]

We keep ours at 68, but we have cats. I'd say low 50's if we didn't.

Ha ha, this made me laugh! You keep your house warmer for the CATS than we do for the people. We keep our heat set at 66 during the day and 61 at night when we are home.

When we are gone, I think I'll set if for around 55 based on most people's advice.

Thanks all!

 

[hffmnheidi]

Illinois girl here. I believe you should set it no lower than 65 to prevent your pipes from freezing.

 

[WDWisTheBest]

55 seems to be a good enough temperature to keep the pipes from freezing, all other things equal.

 

[The 4 "Quay"balleros]

I set it to 55 degrees and turn the water heater down to the vacation setting. Also I turn the water off and open the faucets and flush the toilets-- you never know.