Turning off the heating completely during the winter holidays might seem like an effective solution to saving energy, but in reality it exposes the house and its occupants to a number of risks. In an unheated home, humidity increases rapidly, favoring the formation of mold, especially in poorly ventilated areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. Additionally, internal temperatures that are too low can cause pipes to freeze, with the risk of cracks and significant damage when they thaw.
For this reason, it is essential to maintain a minimum temperature in the house during your absence, setting the thermostat to values between 12°C and 15°C, sufficient to prevent structural and economic problems. Furthermore, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends maintaining an internal temperature of at least 18°C during winter to protect the health, especially of vulnerable people such as children and the elderly.
The ideal temperatures room by room
To protect the home and optimize consumption, the following temperatures are recommended during prolonged absence:
Many modern systems offer an “antifreeze” function that automatically maintains these minimum temperatures, allowing you to protect your home without wasting energy.
How to reduce heat loss in your absence
Before leaving, taking some simple measures can help limit heat loss:
Furthermore, the use of a programmable thermostat or a home automation system allows you to manage the heating intelligently, programming the heating to activate a few hours before returning, so as to find a comfortable environment without excessive consumption.
Keeping the home at a minimum temperature during your absence is not only an economic choice, but also a precaution to ensure safety and well-being, protecting both the structure of the home and the health of the occupants.
