What Temp to Leave Your Apartment When Away in Winter? A Guide
Getting away for a short (or even long) trip in the winter is a good idea sometimes. Maybe you’re going to warmer weather… or visiting family over the holidays. In any case, you will probably realize that there are a few things you need to think about before you leave your apartment for an extended time. And here is one to think about: what temp to leave your apartment when away in winter. Afterall, not doing it right could rack up an unneeded extra cost, or possibly even cause bigger problems like frozen pipes.
Our Boston property management solutions involve a lot of tenants and landlords with a lot of maintenance needs. You’d be surprised how much a little information can go a long way towards alleviating some major headaches. Let’s dive into this particular question and go over a few tips for when renters plan to be away from their apartment for a period of time.
Table of Contents
- What Temp to Leave Your Apartment When Away in Winter
- Tips for Leaving Your Apartment in Winter
- For Landlords – Consider Property Management
What Temp to Leave Your Apartment When Away in Winter
When you head out for a few days (or even weeks!) during the winter, there’s always that question hanging in the air: what temp to leave your apartment when away in winter. Nobody wants to come back to sky-high heating bills… but hey, at the same time, frozen pipes or a damp, drafty mess isn’t something you want to deal with either. Striking that balance is key.
Here is the common answer. The “goldilocks” zone that people often recommend is around 55–60 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s usually warm enough to prevent your pipes from freezing, but of course, not so high that you’re paying for heat you don’t even get to enjoy while you’re gone. If you’re just away for the day, you can get away with dropping it a little lower than your normal comfort setting, but if it’s going to be several days or weeks, keeping it in that mid-50s to low-60s range is a good idea.
It’s also worth considering some add-ons to that rule of thumb. If your apartment is drafty, on a corner, or has pipes running along exterior walls, you might want to keep the temp closer to 60 to play it safe. On the other hand, if you live in a well-insulated building or have maintenance that checks units regularly, you could keep it closer to 55. There are also some other tips we will go over below that you might want to consider.
Tips for Leaving Your Apartment in Winter
Winter getaways sound great until you start worrying about what your apartment might look like when you get back. Cold weather can be tough on a place, and even if you’re only gone for a short stretch, small things can snowball into big problems. The good news is, a little prep work goes a long way in keeping your apartment safe, comfortable, and exactly the way you left it. Here are some tips worth running through before you head out the door.
Set the thermostat right
Don’t make the mistake of shutting the heat off completely. Keep it at least 55–60 degrees to avoid frozen pipes and that awful surprise of water damage. You’ll thank yourself later when everything still works as it should.
Open up cabinets under sinks
This is one of those small things that people forget about. Leaving cabinet doors open lets warm air reach the pipes and keeps them from freezing. It looks a little odd, but it can make a difference. If no one is there, who cares, right?
Unplug appliances you’re not using
Electronics and small appliances can still draw power when plugged in. Unplugging them not only saves you a little on energy, but it also helps reduce fire risk. Plus, it’s nice peace of mind when you’re away.
Check the windows and doors
Make sure everything is locked and sealed tight. Drafts can let in cold air and push your heating system to work harder than it needs to. A quick once-over before leaving saves money and keeps the place cozy.
Think about the water
If you’re leaving for a long stretch, consider shutting off the water entirely. It’s a simple way to prevent leaks or frozen pipes from becoming disasters. If you’re only gone a few days, running faucets slowly can also keep things moving. I know as a tenant you maybe don’t want to pay for water that isn’t being used, but it is something to consider.
Ask a neighbor or friend to check in
Having someone pop in even once or twice while you’re gone can be a lifesaver. They can catch a problem early, whether it’s a drafty window, a water issue, or even just picking up stray mail. It keeps your apartment from looking totally abandoned too.
For Landlords – Consider Property Management
Knowing how to prepare your rental for winter and for when you’re going to be out of the apartment for a while is important. It starts with what temp to leave your apartment when away in winter, but it quickly turns into all kinds of related questions. Hey, things can go really wrong if you’re not careful. For landlords and owners, there’s no action too big or too small when it comes to protecting your rental property.
One of the best things you can do to protect your rentals is to hire a professional property management team… like Bay Property Management Group! Not only will we make sure your rental is well-maintained 24/7, but we can help find tenants who will take care of it, too. Contact BMG today to learn more about our full-service property management in Beacon Hill and Boston areas, as well as Baltimore, Philadelphia, Northern Virginia, Washington, DC, Georgia, Texas, and elsewhere.
