It’s that time of year again — the bags are packed, gifts are wrapped, and the car is (mostly) loaded. You’re ready to trade snowy Utah roads for somewhere warmer… or maybe just grandma’s house across town.
But before you lock the door and hit the road, take a few minutes to make sure your home’s heating and water systems are set for your time away. A few small adjustments can save you money, prevent costly damage, and keep things running smoothly while you’re gone.
Here’s your quick guide to protecting your home — and your peace of mind — while you’re off enjoying the holidays.
🎄 Why It Matters
When temperatures drop below freezing, the biggest risks to your home are frozen pipes and wasted energy. Utah’s winter air can be brutal, and a furnace that shuts off—or pipes that freeze—can turn your relaxing trip into a very expensive homecoming.
Setting your thermostat and water heater correctly keeps your home safe, energy-efficient, and ready for your return.
🌡️ Setting the Thermostat Before You Leave
The key is finding the sweet spot between comfort and conservation.
- If you’re gone a few days: Set your thermostat to 58–62°F. That’s warm enough to keep pipes from freezing but cool enough to save energy.
- If you’ll be gone a week or longer: Drop it slightly lower, but never below 55°F.
- If you have pets or plants staying home: Keep it closer to 65°F to protect furry friends and fragile greenery.
Pro Tip:
If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, set a schedule that drops the temperature while you’re gone and raises it a few hours before you return. That way, you walk into a cozy house without wasting heat.
💧 Setting the Water Heater
No one wants to pay to heat water that nobody’s using. Before leaving:
- Switch to “Vacation Mode” if your water heater has one. It lowers the temperature while still preventing freezing.
- If no vacation mode: Manually turn the temperature down to around 50–60°F.
When you return, simply reset the temperature to around 120°F for safe, efficient use.
🚿 Bonus Tips for Winter Travel
✔️ Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to let warm air circulate.
✔️ Shut off and drain outdoor faucets to prevent freezing.
✔️ Unplug small appliances (coffee maker, toaster, etc.) to save energy and prevent electrical issues.
✔️ Check batteries in your thermostat and smoke detectors before leaving.
✔️ Ask a friend or neighbor to check on your home if you’ll be gone more than a week.
🦍 A Home Warranty Safety Net
Even the best plans can’t stop every surprise. If your furnace quits or your water heater malfunctions while you’re gone, it’s a relief to know you’ve got backup.
With a SilverBack Home Warranty, Utah homeowners can offset the cost of covered heating, cooling, and plumbing repairs — so you can relax, wherever your holiday travels take you.
Whether it’s a cracked heat exchanger or a water heater gone cold, we’ve got your back through every season.
Call us at 833-750-6400 to compare plans, or click here to get started. We’ve got your back, Utah.