You’ve probably fallen into a comfortable routine for setting your thermostat when you’re at home, but what should you do when you’re away? It’s important to set your thermostat appropriately when you’re on vacation so you can maximize energy savings while keeping your home and its inhabitants safe. These tips will help you battle the worst of the Marietta, Georgia, weather without racking up a huge bill while you’re away.

Lower the Thermostat Moderately

When you’re away, you can generally afford to keep the house a little warmer or cooler than you would usually be comfortable with. However, you shouldn’t go to extremes. A general rule of thumb is to keep the house about four degrees warmer than usual in the summer and four degrees cooler in winter. If you exceed these limits by too much, you may end up paying more to return your home to a comfortable temperature when you get back.

Watch Out for Your Plants

If you have houseplants, you should make sure your thermostat is set to a temperature that’s well within the necessary range for them. Most plants prefer an indoor temperature between 60 degrees and 75 degrees. However, you’ll get the best results by doing some research on your particular plant varieties to find out what they like best.

Keep Pets Comfortable

Are you leaving pets at home while you’re gone? Most pets can stay comfortable and healthy with temperatures up to 80 degrees. If you’re concerned about your animal, consult your veterinarian to learn more about his or her specific needs. You can make a warm home more comfortable by leaving ceiling fans on to prove a refreshing wind-chill effect. Make sure someone is stopping in regularly to keep your pets’ water bowls full as well.

For more tips on increasing energy efficiency and managing your thermostat well, contact E. Smith Heating & Air Conditioning at 678-369-8866.

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