Setting your thermostat before a vacation helps protect your home and reduces extra energy use. It keeps your HVAC system running smoothly while your home is empty. This is especially helpful for homeowners in Dayton, Columbus, and Cincinnati.
If you need help getting your system ready, the team at Logan Services is here for you. Call (800) 564-2611 for free, same-day estimates and next-day installation
Recommended Thermostat Settings Before Leaving for Vacation
Choosing the right temperature keeps your home safe while preventing your air conditioning or furnace from running too much.
Summer Vacation Settings
A higher temperature keeps humidity under control without straining your air conditioner.

How To Set Your Thermostat for an Empty House
Even when the house is empty, it still needs steady temperature and humidity levels to stay safe. Use the hold setting to maintain a steady temperature. Keep doors open to allow air to flow throughout the house. Run ceiling fans in the summer to improve airflow. Close blinds to block out heat. These simple steps prevent your HVAC system from working harder when you return.
Why Energy-Efficient Settings Matter
Energy-efficient temperature settings can lower your energy bill. They also help your cooling system or furnace run less. These settings reduce stress on your HVAC system and help save money during your vacation.
Using Smart Thermostats To Save Energy While You’re Away
Smart thermostats let you control your home temperature remotely through Wi-Fi.
Benefits of Smart Thermostats
These features help homeowners across Dayton, Columbus, and Cincinnati keep their homes safe during changing weather.
How To Use a Programmable Thermostat for Vacation
A programmable thermostat makes it easy to set your home temperature while you’re away. Create a vacation schedule, turn on the hold setting, and choose the recommended thermostat settings for the season. When you return, switch back to your normal schedule so your HVAC system stays efficient and runs the way you prefer.
Best Temperature Practices for Winter Trips
A safe heat level keeps your home warm enough to prevent frozen pipes. This keeps your furnace running safely and protects your plumbing.
Winter Protection Tips
Best Temperature Practices for Summer Trips
Humidity control is the top priority during a summer vacation. These steps help your air conditioner stay efficient and reduce energy use.
Suggested Summer Tips

Why Vacation Mode Helps Protect Your HVAC System
Vacation mode keeps the temperature steady so your HVAC system does not cycle on and off too often. This helps protect your air conditioner and furnace and supports long-term system efficiency.
When a New Thermostat Can Help
A new, smart thermostat can make it easier to control your home temperature, save energy, and manage your schedule. Modern thermostats offer better accuracy, improved humidity control, and the ability to adjust settings from your smartphone. Logan Services can help homeowners in Dayton, Columbus, and Cincinnati choose and install the right smart thermostat.
Extra Tips To Reduce Energy Use Before Traveling
These extra steps support your HVAC system and help conserve energy.
When Not To Adjust the Temperature Too Much
Setting the temperature too high or too low can cause mold, humidity problems, or frozen pipes. Extreme changes can also make your HVAC system work harder when you return, increasing energy use.
Consider Pets, Plants, and Special Conditions
If pets stay home, choose a comfortable temperature for them. Some houseplants and electronics also need a stable temperature, so adjust your thermostat setting with these in mind.
Plan Ahead With Logan Services
If you want help preparing your HVAC system before a vacation, Logan Services offers trusted heating and cooling support for Dayton, Columbus, and Cincinnati.
Call our team at (800) 564-2611 today for Free, Same-Day Estimates and Next-Day Installation to help keep your home safe and comfortable while you’re away.
FAQs: Thermostat Settings for Vacation
Set 78–82°F in summer and 55–60°F in winter to balance comfort, HVAC protection, and energy efficiency.
Turning the system off is a bad idea because it increases humidity in summer and risks frozen pipes in winter.
Vacation mode keeps temperature stable, reduces energy use, and protects the system while you’re away.
Smart thermostats let you control temperature remotely through Wi-Fi, which is helpful if plans change.
A higher temperature is safe when kept within the recommended range and helps prevent excess humidity.