Media Platforms Design TeamQ: How low can I set the thermostat in the winter when no one will be in the house for an extended period? What else should I do before locking up?A: I recommend a thermostat setting of 50 F for houses left for long periods. This conserves energy while providing a comfortable margin of safety against frozen plumbing. It’s also high enough, in most cases, to prevent condensation from forming and doing damage to furnishings and appliances inside the house.Here’s a short list of some other steps to take before your trip:Media Platforms Design TeamClose the valve to the house’s main water supply. If the valve is creaky and unreliable, have it replaced with a modern quarter-turn valve.Media Platforms Design TeamGive a trusted neighbor a key to the house and your contact in-formation. Request that he take a quick look inside once a week.Media Platforms Design TeamPut interior and exterior lights on a timer.Media Platforms Design TeamIf your house is heated with propane or fuel oil, be sure that your fuel supplier has your contact information and that of the neighbor.Make provisions for snow removal. This makes a house appear occupied and ensures reliable access to the property for fuel delivery and, in the worst case, for emergencies.Media Platforms Design TeamInstall a freeze-sensing system such as one offered byProtected Home. It allows you to monitor your home’s internal temperature using a phone, and it dials your phone number to alert you of abnormally low temperature inside the house.Media Platforms Design TeamSubscribe to an Internet-based system with equipment that monitors the inside air temperature and also alerts you to freezing temperatures (icontrol.com).
