Water heater vacation mode lowers your tank's temperature while you're away so you're not paying to keep water hot for nobody. For longer absences, the University of Florida IFAS Extension suggests turning the water heater off if you'll be gone more than a month. This True North Home Watch guide explains what vacation mode does on gas, electric and heat pump models, when to turn the heater off instead, and how to bring it back safely when you return to your Southwest Florida home.
Key takeaways
- Vacation mode lowers the set point to save energy. On Rheem heat pump models it drops to about 65°F.
- UF/IFAS suggests turning the water heater off if you'll be gone more than a month.
- On gas models, vacation or pilot mode keeps the pilot lit. If you turn it fully off, you'll relight it later per the manual.
- On return, follow your manual, flush fixtures and bring the temperature back to about 120°F.
- Always check your own model's manual. Instructions vary by brand and fuel type.
What does water heater vacation mode actually do?
Vacation mode tells your water heater to stop keeping a full tank of hot water ready. It lowers the target temperature, which cuts energy use while the home is empty.
How it works depends on the model. Rheem, for example, says its heat pump water heaters' vacation mode reduces the set point to 65°F and is designed for trips of roughly 2 to 28 days. On many gas models, a "vacation" or "pilot" setting keeps the pilot light on while the main burner shuts down.
Not every water heater has a vacation mode. Older electric tanks often have only a thermostat behind a cover panel and a breaker in the electrical panel.
How does it differ for gas, electric and heat pump water heaters?
| Type | Short trip (1–4 weeks) | Long absence (1+ months) | Returning home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas tank | Vacation or pilot mode (Rheem suggests this for a week or more) | Consider turning it off per the manual | Relight the pilot per the manual if it was turned off |
| Electric tank | Lowest thermostat setting or vacation mode if available | UF/IFAS suggests turning it off (breaker) | Turn power back on only when the tank is full of water |
| Heat pump (hybrid) | Vacation mode (Rheem: about 65°F, 2–28 days) | Follow your manual; UF/IFAS suggests off for 1+ month | Return to normal mode and refresh the tank |
These are general patterns. Your manual is the final word, especially for gas appliances.
Should I use vacation mode or turn the water heater off?
For a trip of a few days to a few weeks, vacation mode or the lowest setting is usually the simpler choice. There's nothing to relight and the heater recovers quickly when you're back.
For a Southwest Florida summer away, the math changes. UF/IFAS Extension suggests turning off the water heater if you'll be gone for more than a month. Rheem suggests considering turning a gas water heater off completely if you're gone two weeks or longer.
Many seasonal owners also shut off the main water when they leave. If you do, don't leave an electric water heater powered on with the water off. Turn the water heater off first, following your manual, and plan for anything else that needs water, like irrigation or a pool auto-fill.
What should I do with my water heater before I leave?
- Find your manual. Look up your model online if you don't have the paper copy.
- Decide: vacation mode or off. Base it on how long you'll be gone and your fuel type.
- Look for leaks. Check the floor around the tank, the fittings on top and the relief valve line.
- Coordinate with your main water shut-off. If you're shutting off the main, turn the water heater off first.
- Tell your home watch company. Write down what you did so they know what to expect on each visit.
UF/IFAS also recommends turning off the water at the meter when you'll be gone for an extended time, and scheduling an A/C check-up about three weeks before you leave.
What should I do when I come back?
How do I restart the water heater?
For gas units, that may mean relighting the pilot. For electric units, make sure the tank is full of water before you turn the power back on.
Is a tank that sat unused safe to use right away?
Bradford White's manual warns that hydrogen gas can build up in a water heater when no hot water is drawn for about two weeks or more. It advises running the kitchen hot water faucet for several minutes before using other appliances, and says not to smoke or have an open flame near the faucet while doing it.
Why should I flush my fixtures?
The CDC recommends flushing fixtures that haven't been used for a week or more. Run hot and cold water through every faucet and shower for a few minutes.
What temperature should I set it back to?
The Department of Energy suggests setting your water heater to 120°F. The CDC also recommends keeping water heaters at or above 120°F to help control Legionella, which grows best between 77°F and 113°F.
If anything looks wrong, such as a leak, a pilot that won't stay lit or a smell of gas, stop and call a licensed professional.
What mistakes should I avoid?
- Shutting off the water with an electric heater still powered. Turn the heater off first, following your manual.
- Relighting a gas pilot without the instructions. Use the manual, or call a licensed plumber.
- Skipping the flush. The CDC advises flushing fixtures unused for a week or more.
- Forgetting the leak check. Look at the floor and fittings around the tank before you leave and after you return.
- Leaving the temperature low for good. Bring it back to about 120°F when you're home.
How does home watch help with your water heater?
A water heater is one of the most common sources of slow leaks, and nobody notices when the house is empty. True North Home Watch can add a water heater and main shut-off check to your home watch checklist. We look for leaks around the tank on every visit and can turn your main water on or off on request.
Before you arrive, our pre-arrival preparation can include turning the water back on, running faucets and making sure the home is ready. It's one less thing to think about when you land.
Leaving Florida for the season?
Let True North check your water heater, shut-off and the rest of your home while you're away.
Get a Free Quote Call (239) 301-8657What do Southwest Florida owners ask about water heaters?
Should I drain my water heater before leaving for the season?
Draining isn't usually necessary for a seasonal absence, and it adds steps when you return. Follow your manufacturer's instructions for your model. Many owners simply use vacation mode for shorter trips or turn the heater off for longer ones, as UF/IFAS suggests for absences over a month.
What does water heater vacation mode do?
Vacation mode lowers the water heater's temperature while you're away to save energy. On Rheem heat pump models, it drops the set point to about 65°F and is meant for trips of roughly 2 to 28 days. On many gas models, a vacation or pilot setting keeps the pilot lit while the main burner stays off. Check your own manual for your model.
Should I turn off my water heater when I leave Florida for the summer?
The University of Florida IFAS Extension suggests turning off the water heater if you'll be gone for more than a month, and using the lowest setting for shorter trips. Rheem suggests vacation or pilot mode for a week or more on gas units and considering turning it off completely for two weeks or longer.
Is it safe to turn a water heater back on after months away?
Follow your manufacturer's instructions. Bradford White warns that hydrogen gas can build up when no hot water is drawn for about two weeks or more, and says to run the kitchen hot water faucet for several minutes with no smoking or open flame nearby. A licensed plumber can help if you're not comfortable doing it yourself.
What temperature should my water heater be set to?
The U.S. Department of Energy suggests 120°F for everyday use. The CDC also recommends keeping water heaters at or above 120°F to help control Legionella, which grows best between 77°F and 113°F. When you return from a long trip, bring the heater back to its normal setting and flush the fixtures.
Should I flush my faucets when I come back?
Yes. The CDC advises flushing fixtures that haven't been used for a week or more. Run hot and cold water through each faucet and shower for a few minutes. Rheem also suggests running hot water at the faucets to refresh the tank after vacation mode.
Can home watch check my water heater?
Yes. True North Home Watch can add a water heater and main shut-off check to your visit checklist. We look for leaks around the tank and can turn your main water on or off on request, so it's ready when you arrive.
Sources
- Rheem: Understanding hybrid heat pump water heater operating modes
- Rheem: Should you turn off your gas water heater for vacation?
- UF/IFAS Extension HE887: Preparing your home for an extended absence
- Bradford White: Installation and operation manual
- CDC: Legionella considerations for vacation rental owners
- U.S. Department of Energy: Which water heater is right for you?