Planning a winter getaway from Southeast Michigan? You’re probably wondering what to do with your furnace and thermostat while you’re gone. Set it too low and you risk frozen pipes. Keep it too high and you’re wasting money heating an empty house.
Here’s the quick answer: Set your thermostat between 55-60°F when leaving your Michigan home for winter vacation. This temperature range keeps your pipes safe while saving you money on heating costs.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about protecting your home while you’re enjoying that warm beach or ski slope.
Why Can’t I Just Turn Off My Furnace Completely?
Michigan winters are no joke. We regularly see temperatures drop well below freezing, especially during those January and February cold snaps. When the mercury drops below 32°F outside, any water left in your pipes can freeze.
Here’s what happens when pipes freeze: Water expands as it turns to ice, creating massive pressure inside your pipes. That pressure can crack pipes or blow out joints. When things thaw out, you come home to water damage that can cost thousands to repair.
What are the areas most at risk in your home? Pipes in exterior walls, unheated basements, crawl spaces, and under kitchen and bathroom sinks. These spots don’t get as much heat circulation, making them vulnerable when temperatures plummet.
What’s the Magic Number for Southeast Michigan Homes?
Most HVAC experts recommend keeping your thermostat at 55°F minimum during winter vacations. For Southeast Michigan specifically, where we can see dramatic temperature swings and polar vortex events, staying in that 55-60°F range gives you extra protection.
Why not lower? Once your home drops below 55°F, you’re getting dangerously close to the freezing zone in those vulnerable areas we mentioned. Remember, your thermostat only measures temperature at one location – usually a hallway. Your basement or that bathroom on an exterior wall could be 10-15 degrees colder.
If your home has had frozen-pipe issues before, or if you have plumbing in icy spots, stick closer to 60°F. That extra few degrees won’t break the bank, but could save you from coming home to a disaster.
How Can Programmable Thermostats Help?
Got a programmable thermostat? You’re already ahead of the game. Most models have a “hold” or “vacation” setting that maintains a constant temperature while you’re away.
Here’s how to use it: Before you leave, set your thermostat to your vacation temperature (that 55-60°F sweet spot). Then hit the “hold” button. This overrides your regular schedule and keeps that temperature steady day and night. When you get home, just hit “run” to resume your regular programming.
One thing to watch out for: make sure you select “permanent hold” or “vacation hold,” not “temporary hold.” Temporary holds often expire at the following scheduled time change, which defeats the purpose.
Should I Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat?
If you travel frequently or own a vacation property, a smart thermostat is worth every penny. These devices connect to your home’s Wi-Fi, letting you control temperature from anywhere using your smartphone.
Forgot to adjust the thermostat before leaving Metro Airport? No problem – change it from the gate. Weather forecast showing an unexpected cold snap while you’re in Florida? Bump up the temperature a few degrees from the beach.
Popular options like Nest, Ecobee, and Honeywell smart thermostats also send alerts if your home drops below or rises above certain temperatures. That early warning can mean the difference between a minor issue and major damage.
Some smart thermostats even have dedicated vacation modes that maintain efficient temperatures while monitoring for problems. They’ll automatically resume your regular schedule a few hours before you return, so you come home to comfort.
What About Pets?
Leaving pets at home changes everything. Dogs need temperatures around 65-75°F for comfort, while cats can handle slightly cooler temps around 60-70°F. Older pets or those with health issues need warmer temperatures.
If pets are staying home with a sitter who checks in, keep your thermostat at its normal setting or 5 degrees lower. Your furry friends’ comfort and safety are worth the extra heating cost.
Extra Tips for Southeast Michigan Winter Vacations
Beyond setting your thermostat, here are quick wins to protect your home:
Open cabinet doors under the kitchen and bathroom sinks. This lets warm air circulate around pipes, especially important for sinks on exterior walls.
Close your blinds and curtains to add an extra layer of insulation and keep heat from escaping through windows.
Have someone check your home if you’re gone for more than a week. Ask them to make sure the heat’s running and watch for any issues.
Consider shutting off your main water valve for extended trips. No water in the pipes means no frozen pipe disasters. Just remember to run all faucets briefly when you return.
Ready for Your Winter Getaway?
Setting your thermostat to 55-60°F protects your Southeast Michigan home from frozen pipes while keeping heating costs reasonable during your winter vacation. Add a smart thermostat for remote monitoring and peace of mind.
Before your next trip, consider scheduling a heating system check-up with Oakland Heating and Cooling. We’ll make sure your furnace is ready to keep your home safe while you’re away. Call us today to schedule your pre-vacation HVAC inspection and enjoy your time off without worrying about what’s happening back home.
👉 Call now for quick, reliable furnace service. Our expert team is ready to handle all your furnace needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I leave my furnace at 55°F?
You can safely leave your furnace set at 55-60°F for the entire duration of your winter vacation, whether that’s a few days or several weeks. This temperature range provides continuous protection against frozen pipes while keeping energy costs reasonable. If you’re gone longer than a week, have someone check on your home to ensure the furnace is still running properly.
Will my pipes freeze at 55 degrees?
No, your pipes should not freeze at 55°F as long as your furnace is working properly. However, remember that your thermostat only measures temperature in one location—usually a hallway. Areas like basements, exterior walls, and crawl spaces can be 10-15 degrees colder. This is why 55°F is the recommended minimum, as it provides a safety buffer for those colder spots in your home.
Should I turn my water off when leaving for vacation in winter?
For trips longer than two weeks, shutting off your main water valve is a smart precaution. This eliminates the risk of water damage if a pipe does freeze and burst while you’re away. After shutting off the main valve, open all faucets briefly to drain remaining water from the pipes. Just remember to turn the water back on and check for leaks when you return home.
What temperature is too cold for a house in winter?
Never let your home drop below 50°F in winter. Below this temperature, you significantly increase the risk of frozen pipes, especially in vulnerable areas like basements and exterior walls. For Michigan winters with extreme cold snaps and polar vortex events, keeping your home at 55-60°F provides the necessary safety margin to protect your plumbing and avoid costly water damage.
Do smart thermostats really help when you're away?
Yes, smart thermostats are extremely valuable for vacation properties or frequent travelers. They allow you to monitor and adjust your home’s temperature remotely from your smartphone, which is crucial if an unexpected cold snap hits while you’re away. Many models also send alerts if your home temperature drops too low, giving you early warning of potential furnace problems before pipes freeze.
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