What Temperature Should I Leave My Thermostat At When Away for Winter?

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Why not just turn the heat off completely

It's tempting to shut the system off entirely to save the most money, but that's a risk in our climate. Metro Vancouver doesn't get brutally cold most winters, but we do get cold snaps, and interior wall cavities and unheated spaces like crawlspaces can drop below freezing even when it's only a few degrees below zero outside. A burst pipe while you're away can cause thousands of dollars in water damage before anyone notices. Keeping the thermostat at 12-15°C is a small cost compared to that risk.

The lower end of that range (around 12°C/55°F) works fine for most well-insulated homes for trips of a week or two. If you're leaving for a month or more, or your home is older with less insulation, lean toward the higher end (15°C/59°F) for extra margin.

Other things to check before you leave

• Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls so warm air can reach the pipes.
• Shut off and drain any outdoor hose bibs or irrigation lines.
• If you have a smart thermostat, use its away or vacation mode rather than just lowering the schedule — some models sense a sudden temperature drop (like a furnace failure) and can alert you.
• Ask a neighbour, friend, or property manager to check the house periodically, especially during a cold snap or if you're gone more than a couple of weeks.
• Replace the furnace filter before you leave if it's due — a clogged filter restricts airflow and can strain the system while unattended.
• If your water heater has a vacation setting, use it too, but don't turn it off completely in freezing weather for the same pipe-protection reasons.

When to call a professional

If your furnace is older, has been acting up, or you're not confident it'll run reliably unattended for days or weeks, it's worth having it checked before you go. A quick inspection can catch a failing igniter, worn blower motor, or other issue that could leave the house without heat while you're away — exactly when you won't be there to notice a frozen-pipe emergency in progress. CANRO offers diagnostic visits with a free written quote if you want peace of mind before an extended trip.

Frequently asked questions

Reviewed by the CANRO Heating & Cooling service team — July 07, 2026. Technical Safety BC gas licence LGA0043870 · boiler licence LBP0046450 · Red Seal certified · WorkSafeBC and liability insured · 4.9★ from 85+ Google reviews · serving Metro Vancouver since 1999 · (604) 359-1081.