Are you going on a vacation and wondering how to save energy while you are away? If yes, then the vacation mode on your thermostat is a useful feature that you should know about. In this article, we will discuss what the vacation mode is and how to use it.
What Is Vacation Mode on Thermostat?
The vacation mode is a setting on your thermostat that allows you to adjust the temperature automatically while you are away from home for an extended period. It helps you save energy and money by reducing the workload on your HVAC system.
How Does Vacation Mode Work?
When you activate the vacation mode on your thermostat, it will raise or lower the temperature in your home gradually until it reaches the desired setpoint. For example, if you set the temperature to 85°F in cooling mode before leaving for vacation, your thermostat will gradually increase the temperature by one or two degrees each day until it reaches 90°F or higher. This way, your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard as it would if it were maintaining a constant temperature.
Similarly, if you set the temperature to 60°F in heating mode before leaving for vacation, your thermostat will gradually decrease the temperature by one or two degrees each day until it reaches 55°F or lower. Again, this helps reduce energy consumption and saves money on your utility bills.
How to Use Vacation Mode?
Using the vacation mode is easy. Here’s how:
- Step 1: Locate the “Vacation” button on your thermostat.
- Step 2: Press and hold down the “Vacation” button until “Vacation” appears on your display.
- Step 3: Set the desired temperature for cooling or heating mode depending on your climate.
- Step 4: Set the duration of your vacation. This can be done by setting the start and end dates or the number of days you plan to be away.
- Step 5: Press “Save” or “Confirm” to activate the vacation mode.
Things to Keep in Mind
While the vacation mode is an excellent feature, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Don’t turn off your HVAC system completely while you are away. This can cause humidity levels to rise, leading to mold growth and other issues.
- If you have pets or plants in your home, make sure the temperature is set accordingly to ensure their safety and comfort.
- If you are leaving for an extended period, consider turning off your water supply or installing a leak detection system to prevent water damage while you are away.
Conclusion
The vacation mode on your thermostat is a useful feature that can help you save energy and money while you are away from home. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily activate this feature and ensure that your HVAC system runs efficiently even when you’re not there. So next time you’re planning a vacation, remember to use the vacation mode on your thermostat.