If you’re planning a getaway this Spring Break, don’t just pack your bags and hit the road—take a few extra minutes to prep your home before vacation. Whether you’re heading to the beach, the mountains, or simply out of town for a few days, it’s important to consider what to set your thermostat to when you’re on vacation, how to reduce energy costs, and how to avoid returning to HVAC surprises.
Here’s your go-to Spring Break vacation home prep guide with expert-backed tips from Shaw Services, trusted by homeowners in Manassas, Virginia since 2013.
Here’s what to do.
What to Set Thermostat to on Vacation
The appropriate temperature setting for your thermostat will depend on whether you’re taking a vacation in summer or winter.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
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For spring weather in Northern Virginia, set your thermostat between 78–82°F for cooling mode or 60–65°F for heating mode (if there’s still a chill in the air).
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Don’t shut your HVAC system off completely—it helps manage humidity and protects your home’s interior.
This simple thermostat adjustment is one of the easiest ways to save energy while on vacation and reduce unnecessary wear on your system.
Smart HVAC Settings for Vacation Mode
If you have a smart thermostat, setting your HVAC to vacation mode is a game-changer. These devices make it simple to:
✅ Adjust temperatures remotely
✅ Receive notifications if an issue occurs (like an error code or airflow issue)
✅ Track energy usage while you’re away
Pro tip: Enable mobile alerts so you’re notified immediately if something goes wrong—giving you peace of mind while you relax.
Vacation House Checklist: HVAC Edition
Here’s how to prep your house before vacation, especially when it comes to your HVAC system:
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✔️ Set your thermostat to vacation settings
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✔️ Replace or check your air filter to ensure clean airflow
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✔️ Open vents throughout the home to avoid pressure build-up
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✔️ Clear any debris from around your outdoor unit
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✔️ Make sure the condensate drain line is clear
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✔️ Consider scheduling a quick HVAC check-up before you leave
Energy-Saving Tips While on Vacation
Want to avoid a high energy bill when you return from Spring Break? These tips are essential:
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Close your blinds and curtains to block sunlight and reduce indoor heat gain
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Unplug electronics and small appliances to reduce phantom energy use
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Use smart lighting or timers for added security without running up the bill
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Schedule your HVAC system to run less frequently while you’re gone
When it comes to vacation HVAC settings, less is more—but not off completely.
Other Items to Prep Before you Leave
Water Heater
If you’re going on vacation, give your water heater a vacation, too. On your water heater you’ll find a knob, or sometimes button, marked “vacation”. This setting sets the temperature to a lower-than-usual setting for better efficiency and cost savings while you’re away. Note that if you’re turning off your water altogether, you must turn off your water heater as well.
Hose Bibs
Avoid bursting pipes by turning off your hose bibs – the faucets on the exterior of your house. When doing so, drain any external pipes leading to them so that these won’t freeze and burst.
Vents and Units
Clogged or dirty vents, filters and units can affect the efficiency of your system, resulting at best in poor performance and at worst in the breakdown of parts or the system altogether. Before you leave, change your air filters, clean out your vents, and clear exterior units of debris.
Schedule Maintenance
If you’re going to be away for a while, ensure that your system is running as it should be. A system that’s leaking or that hasn’t been serviced can result in major problems for your home – and the repair bills to match.
Contact Shaw Services to ask about having your system serviced before you leave so that you can vacation with total peace of mind. We’ll also take you through our HVAC vacation checklist to make sure nothing gets missed.
Call 571-261-3800 or use the form below to set up your pre-vacation maintenance check!