If you're leaving home during the winter, you might wonder what will happen to your heating system.
In most cases, the HVAC system itself will be fine. Modern heat pumps and ductless systems are designed to handle cold weather and can return to normal operation quickly after sitting idle.
While the HVAC system itself is usually fine, the bigger concern during winter travel is what happens inside the home.
The Real Winter Risk: Frozen Pipes
The biggest problem during winter travel is not the air conditioner or heat pump — it's your plumbing.
When indoor temperatures drop below about 32°F (0°C), water inside pipes can begin to freeze. As water freezes, it expands, which may cause pipes to crack or burst. Pipes located in exterior walls, crawl spaces, or unheated basements are usually the first to freeze.
This type of damage can be expensive and messy. Water from a burst pipe can flood walls, floors, and furniture before anyone notices the problem.
Because of this, HVAC professionals generally recommend keeping your home slightly heated while you're away.
What Is Freeze Guard Mode and Why It Matters
Freeze Guard Mode (sometimes called Vacation Mode or Away Mode or Freeze Protection) is designed to protect your home when you're away for an extended period during cold weather.
When this function is activated, the mini split automatically maintains a minimum indoor temperature of around 46°F (8°C). Instead of heating the home to a comfortable living temperature, the system only turns on when the indoor temperature drops close to that point.
Maintaining a low temperature can bring several benefits. It protects pipes, encourages air circulation and prevents excess moisture.The home warms up faster when you return and usually uses less energy than letting the house get very cold and then running the system at high power to recover.
For homeowners who travel frequently, own vacation homes, or leave the house empty during the holidays, Freeze Protection offers a practical balance between home protection and energy savings. In many cases, using Freeze Guard is safer than turning the system off completely.
What Happens If You Turn Off Your HVAC System in Winter?
In most cases, turning off a mini split or heat pump won't damage the equipment itself. These units are designed to handle seasonal shutdowns.
When you turn the system back on, you might notice:
- A slight odor when airflow starts
- Dust blowing out briefly
- Frost or ice on the outdoor unit
This is usually normal. Heat pumps are built with an automatic defrost cycle, which removes ice during operation. After running for a short time, the system typically returns to normal.
Additional Winter Tips for Mini Split Owners
If you plan to leave home during cold weather, a few extra steps can help your system operate more reliably.
Protect the Outdoor Unit
Ensure the outdoor unit is elevated above the ground and clear of snow buildup. You may also consider installing a protective roof to prevent snow from falling directly onto the unit and hindering its heating capacity.
Clean Before Use
Before leaving your home for an extended period, clean the air filters in the indoor units and clear any debris from the outdoor unit’s fan blades and condensate pan.
Seal Air Leaks
Check for air leaks around windows, doors, vents, and electrical outlets. Closing all windows and addressing gaps helps maintain consistent indoor temperatures and prevents energy loss.
Consider Turning Off the Main Water Supply
If you plan to be away for several weeks or longer, some HVAC and plumbing professionals recommend shutting off the home's main water valve as an extra precaution.Even if a pipe freezes, this can help reduce the chance of major water damage.
How to Activate Freeze Guard Mode
Activating Freeze Guard Mode depends on the model of your system. For many GREE-based mini split systems:
Press the MODE and TIMER buttons at the same time on the remote control.
Set the temperature directly to 46°F.
Because features can vary by model, always refer to your user manual for exact instructions. If you need assistance, you can also contact customer support.
Best Temperature to Set When You're Away in Winter
A common question homeowners ask is:
What temperature should I set my thermostat to when traveling in winter?
Most HVAC professionals recommend keeping indoor temperatures between 45°F and 55°F. This range is warm enough to protect plumbing but still low enough to reduce energy usage.Freeze Guard Mode simplifies this by automatically maintaining a safe minimum temperature without needing constant adjustment.
Final Thoughts
Leaving your home during the winter doesn't mean you have to worry about your HVAC system or your plumbing.
Features like Freeze Guard Mode are designed to keep your home protected while minimizing energy use. With a few simple preparations—clean filters, clear outdoor units, and proper temperature settings—you can travel with greater peace of mind.
FAQs
Does Freeze Guard Mode use a lot of electricity?
No. Freeze Guard Mode is designed to use very little energy. The system only runs when the indoor temperature approaches the minimum setting, typically around 46°F (8°C). Because the temperature is much lower than normal comfort settings, the unit runs far less frequently than during regular heating.
At what temperature do pipes freeze in a house?
Pipes can begin to freeze when temperatures fall below 32°F (0°C). However, pipes located near exterior walls, basements, or poorly insulated areas may freeze even when indoor temperatures are slightly higher.
This is why many HVAC professionals recommend keeping indoor temperatures above 45°F when leaving a home during winter.
