Planning a trip away from home? Don’t forget to adjust your thermostat settings before you go. Whether it’s summer or winter, knowing the right thermostat settings can save energy and protect your home. At Mi Amigo Heating & Cooling, we specialize in helping families across Surprise, AZ, and nearby cities stay comfortable year-round with expert HVAC services. By using your HVAC system correctly while you’re away, you can avoid surprises when you return, like high utility bills or frozen pipes.

Why Vacation Thermostat Settings Matter

Your home doesn’t need to be at the perfect temperature while you’re gone, but it shouldn’t be neglected either. If your thermostat settings are too extreme, it can overwork your HVAC system or create problems indoors. Setting your thermostat correctly helps:

• Save money on energy bills
• Maintain a safe indoor environment
• Prevent damage from humidity or freezing temperatures
• Extend the life of your HVAC system

Proper thermostat settings act like vacation insurance for your house.

Summer Vacation: Keep It Cool, Not Cold

Summers in Surprise, AZ get scorching. But that doesn’t mean your HVAC system should keep your home at a chilly 72°F while you’re in Hawaii.

Recommended setting: 85°F
If you have pets, houseplants, or sensitive electronics, don’t go higher than 82°F.

This range allows your HVAC system to cycle enough to control indoor humidity without wasting energy. Humidity control is especially important in Arizona, where extreme heat can dry out wood, furniture, and electronics.

Extra tips for summer trips:

• Close blinds and curtains to block sunlight.
• Unplug non-essential appliances.
• Set your fan to “Auto,” not “On,” to reduce wear on your HVAC system.
• Use a smart thermostat to monitor and adjust settings remotely.

Even in desert climates, airflow and shade help keep indoor temps stable without pushing your system.

Winter Vacation: Keep Pipes From Freezing

Though winters in Surprise, AZ are milder, nighttime temperatures can still dip below freezing. That’s why winter thermostat settings are just as important as summer ones.

Recommended setting: 60°F
This keeps your home warm enough to prevent frozen pipes or damage to plumbing fixtures.

If you’re leaving for more than a week, you might even want to have someone check on your house. Power outages or heating malfunctions can become serious during cold spells.

Extra tips for winter getaways:

• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate.
• Keep interior doors open to maintain even airflow.
• Turn off the water at the main valve if you’re gone for an extended period.
• Set the fan to “Auto” to reduce unnecessary use of your HVAC system.

Avoid Turning the System Off Completely

It may seem tempting to turn off your HVAC system completely. Don’t.

Shutting it down leaves your home at the mercy of outdoor temperatures. During hot summers, this can cause wood floors or cabinets to warp. In winter, it could freeze your pipes. Plus, without ventilation, your indoor air quality can drop fast.

Instead, find the best thermostat settings for your situation and let your HVAC system run efficiently while you’re away.

Use Smart Thermostats for Peace of Mind

Smart thermostats are your best friend when traveling. They let you control your thermostat settings from your phone, whether you’re in Flagstaff or Florida.

Benefits include:

• Remote monitoring and control
• Energy usage reports
• Alerts for extreme temperature changes
• Seamless integration with your HVAC system

Mi Amigo Heating & Cooling can install smart thermostats that work with your existing HVAC services, giving you total control while you’re away.

Schedule HVAC Maintenance Before You Leave

Before any long trip, it’s a smart move to schedule a quick inspection of your HVAC system. We recommend a tune-up to ensure there are no issues while you’re away. Clogged filters, refrigerant leaks, or faulty thermostats can cause serious problems if left unchecked.

Residents can count on Mi Amigo Heating & Cooling for seasonal inspections and preventative HVAC services.

Final Checklist Before Leaving

Here’s your vacation-mode HVAC checklist:

• Adjust thermostat settings: 60°F (winter), 85°F (summer)
• Set the fan to “Auto”
• Close blinds and curtains
• Open cabinet doors under sinks (in winter)
• Unplug unnecessary devices
• Confirm smart thermostat settings
• Schedule HVAC maintenance with Mi Amigo Heating & Cooling

Peace of mind starts with preparation. Your home will be safe and energy-efficient when you follow the right thermostat settings for each season.

Call Mi Amigo Heating & Cooling Before Your Next Trip

Don’t take chances while you’re away. Whether it’s 115°F in July or 35°F in January, the right thermostat settings protect your comfort and your wallet. Our experienced team provides expert HVAC services to families throughout Surprise, AZ, and the surrounding communities.

Schedule a system check or smart thermostat upgrade before your next vacation.

We’ll make sure your HVAC system is ready, so you can relax wherever your trip takes you.