According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save up to 10% annually on heating costs by lowering their thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees when away from home.
Sounds simple enough, right? Turn down the heat, save some cash. But before you pack your bags and head out for the holidays, you need to know the one number that keeps your home safe while you’re gone.
1. The 55-Degree Rule for the Ozarks
Most HVAC professionals and insurance companies recommend setting your thermostat no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit when leaving home during winter. This temperature keeps your home warm enough to prevent pipes from freezing while still reducing your heating costs. In the Ozarks, where winter temperatures can swing from mild 40-degree days to sudden arctic blasts in the teens, that 55-degree minimum becomes critical. Our region’s unpredictable weather means a cold snap can arrive with little warning while you’re celebrating elsewhere.
2. Why Frozen Pipes Are a Real Risk Here
Pipes typically start to freeze when temperatures drop below 20 degrees, especially in unheated areas like crawl spaces, attics, or exterior walls. Here in the Ozarks, we can see plenty of extended cold spells where temperatures stay below freezing. When water freezes inside pipes, it expands and creates pressure that can cause pipes to burst. Power outages during winter storms add another layer of risk, as your heating system can’t protect your pipes without electricity, so getting a backup generator is always something to consider if you don’t have one.
3. The Cost-Benefit Reality Check
Keeping your heat at 55 degrees while you’re away for a week will cost more than turning it down to 45 or off entirely. You might spend an extra $30 to $50 on your heating bill. But the cost of frozen pipe damage could easily escalate into the thousands of dollars, depending on how quickly you catch it.
4. Smart Thermostat Benefits
Smart thermostats allow you to monitor and adjust your home’s temperature remotely from your phone. If weather forecasts change and temperatures drop lower than anticipated, you can bump up the heat from wherever you are. You can also receive alerts if your system fails or temperatures drop dangerously low, giving you time to ask a neighbor to check on your house. If you have a heat pump system, smart thermostats are especially valuable for maintaining optimal performance and avoiding common heating issues.
5. Additional Protection Steps
Beyond setting your thermostat properly, take these steps before leaving:
- Open cabinet doors under sinks for better airflow
- Let faucets drip slightly if temperatures are expected to drop below 20 degrees
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses
- Ask a trusted neighbor to check on your home every couple of days
Before you leave for holiday travel this year, set that thermostat to at least 55 degrees, take preventive measures, and enjoy your time away. And if you want to make sure your heating system is ready to handle the job while you’re gone, schedule an inspection with Jerry’s Heating and Cooling.
If you have any questions about your thermostat or your HVAC system, please get in touch with us today.