Smart Thermostat Vacation Mode: How to Save While Away
Going on vacation? Your smart thermostat can save significant energy while protecting your home from extreme
temperatures.
For thermostat recommendations, see our guide to Best Smart Thermostats
That Save Money.
What Vacation Mode Does
Vacation mode (also called “away mode” or “eco mode”) sets your thermostat to energy-saving temperatures while you’re
gone:
- Heating: Drops to 50-55°F (prevents pipes from freezing)
- Cooling: Rises to 80-85°F (prevents mold/humidity issues)
- Duration: Stays in vacation mode until you return
Setting Up Vacation Mode by Brand
Nest
- Open Nest app
- Tap thermostat
- Tap “Eco” mode
- Set for desired duration or “Until I return”
Ecobee
- Open Ecobee app
- Tap Menu → Vacation
- Tap “+” to add vacation
- Set dates and temperatures
Honeywell
- Open Honeywell Home app
- Tap thermostat → Menu
- Tap “Vacation/Away”
- Set dates and temperatures
Recommended Vacation Temperatures
| Season | Set Point | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (heating) | 50-55°F | Prevents frozen pipes |
| Summer (cooling) | 80-85°F | Prevents mold, protects electronics |
Never fully turn off HVAC when away. Extreme temperatures can:
- Freeze pipes (causing floods)
- Create humidity/mold issues
- Damage electronics, paint, wood
Potential Savings
| Trip Length | Estimated Savings |
|---|---|
| Weekend (2-3 days) | $5-15 |
| 1 week | $20-50 |
| 2 weeks | $40-100 |
| 1 month | $80-200 |
Savings depend on climate, home size, and energy costs.
Smart Features That Help
Geofencing
If you forget to set vacation mode, geofencing automatically detects you’ve left and switches to away mode.
Schedule Return
Schedule your home to return to normal temperature before you arrive. Come back to a comfortable home.
Remote Monitoring
Check temperature remotely to ensure nothing has gone wrong. Some thermostats send alerts if temperature hits
extremes.
Vacation Checklist
- ✅ Set thermostat to vacation mode
- ✅ Verify away temperatures are safe (50°F+ heating, 85°F- cooling)
- ✅ Schedule return to comfort before arrival
- ✅ Ensure geofencing is enabled as backup
- ✅ Enable temperature alerts if available
- ✅ Consider smart water leak sensors near pipes
Don’t Forget Return Mode
Smart thermostats can pre-condition your home before you return:
- Nest: Set end date for Eco mode
- Ecobee: Set vacation end date/time
- Geofencing: Auto-resumes normal mode when you approach home
Schedule your thermostat to resume normal temperatures 2-4 hours before arrival for maximum comfort.
Verdict
Always use vacation mode when away for more than a day. It’s free savings, and modern smart
thermostats make it effortless—just set dates and forget.
For thermostat recommendations, see: Best Smart Thermostats That Save
Money.