Summers in Florida can get incredibly hot and humid, which is why air conditioning is practically a way of life for a lot of people in the Sunshine State. It may be tempting to just crank up your AC or turn down your thermostat on hot days, but that’s not always a good idea. For one, it’s a waste of energy, which is both bad for the environment and your utility bills. It also puts a strain on your HVAC system and lowers its lifespan. Most air conditioners will last between 15 and 20 years, but not when they’re running at full blast all the time.
Getting the Most Out of Your Air Conditioner
If you live in Florida and want to get the most out of your air conditioner, you need to be mindful of your thermostat setting. Let’s take a look at the optimal summer thermostat setting so you can feel comfortable in your home without spending too much money on energy bills and AC repairs.
The Optimal Summer Thermostat Setting
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the best thermostat setting for the summer is 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re at home and awake. When you’re asleep or not at home, you can raise the temperature to around 82 degrees. That might sound a little high for some people, but it’s a good way to conserve energy, which lowers your utility bills and extends the life of your air conditioner.
If 78 degrees sounds too hot for you, you can use it as a baseline when setting the temperature in your home and make adjustments based on the temperature outside. The weather in Florida can be unpredictable, and 78 degrees can feel like a relief one day and unbearably hot the next day. To ensure that your home is comfortable during the day, start at 78 degrees and adjust the temperature slightly depending on the heat and humidity outside.
If the temperature outside is in the 80s or 90s, you can lower your thermostat by a few degrees until you feel comfortable. You obviously don’t want it to be unbearably cold in your home, but keeping the temperature in the 70s is usually a safe bet. If it’s cooler outside, you might be able to get away with raising the temperature a few degrees, especially if you open windows or run ceiling fans. Fans don’t actually lower the temperature in your home, but they do aid in air circulation and help your home feel a little more comfortable.
Humidity and Your Thermostat
Humidity should also be a factor when setting your thermostat. High humidity can make a hot day feel even hotter, so you can probably lower your thermostat setting by a few degrees on humid days even when it’s not that hot outside. Naturally, the opposite is also true. Low humidity can make a hot day feel a little more bearable, so you can probably raise the temperature in your home and open a few windows if you want.
Keeping Your Air Conditioner in Good Shape
Keeping cool and comfortable in the summer is tough when you live in Florida. Your air conditioner will certainly help, but you need to make sure it stays in good shape. Try not to push it too hard to cool off your home, and try not to adjust it too often during the day. Try to keep it at a consistent comfortable temperature if you want to get the most out of it without spending too much money.
Contact One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating
As always, if you have any issues with your air conditioner or you have any questions about keeping cool this summer, don’t hesitate to contact One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating. We’ll be happy to assist you and answer any questions about keeping cool during the summer.