Whether you’re going on vacation or leaving your apartment vacant for the winter, it’s important to know what temperature to leave it at. Keeping your home at a safe temperature is important for both your energy bill and to avoid frozen pipes and mould issues.
Luckily, there are several simple things you can do to winterize your apartment before you go away. These tips will help keep you and your tenants warm all winter long.
Thermostat Settings
If you are preparing to leave your vacant apartment for an extended period of time in winter, it is important to take the right temperature setting into consideration. This is not only essential for the safety of your home, but can also help you save money on heating costs.
The best thermostat setting for your vacant home depends on a number of factors, including how long you plan to be away and what the weather will be like during the period that you are not at home. Using an energy-efficient thermostat will help you maintain the right temperature in your home, and it will help you reduce your utility bills.
During the coldest months of the year, the best temperature for your thermostat to set is 68 degrees Fahrenheit. This may seem like a low temperature, but it is one that can help you to save on your energy bill and to keep your home comfortable all winter long.
Another thing to consider is how well-insulated your home is. If it is not well-insulated, you should choose a lower thermostat setting. You should also keep in mind that the size of your house and its layout can make a difference in this equation as well.
This is especially important if your home has a lot of rooms or is a larger house with multiple areas that can be subject to freezing. Choosing the correct thermostat settings can prevent pipes from freezing, which can result in costly repairs and damage to your home.
While leaving your home for a long period of time can seem like an inconvenience, it is actually a good idea to set your thermostat at a higher temperature while you are at work. This will allow your furnace to heat the home and keep it warm while you are out, and will prevent your heater from having to work too hard to get the temperature up to your desired temperature when you return.
If you are going to be away for a longer period of time, it is a good idea to use a digital thermostat, as these can sense when you are not at home and adjust the temperature accordingly. These can also be controlled remotely via a smartphone app, making it easy to manage your thermostat from anywhere in the world.
Windows
When leaving a vacant apartment in winter, it’s important to keep the temperature low. This will help to prevent cold air from entering the house, which can lead to icy pipes and expensive damage. Sealing windows is one way to do this. Plastic film insulation or purpose-specific window films can be purchased at a hardware store. Another option is to close vents that go outside. This will also help to prevent cold air from coming in and wasting money on heating the house.