Best Thermostat Settings During Summer in Florida
Emily
As a Florida homeowner, you know just how unbearable summer in the Sunshine State can be. With temperatures in the 90s and humidity nearing 100%, you need a reliable air conditioning system to keep your home comfortable. Unfortunately, running your AC constantly can cause a spike in your energy bills – that is, unless you know what the best energy-saving thermostat settings during summer are.
As summer approaches, now is the best time to learn how you can use your thermostat to stay cool and comfortable without racking up sky-high energy costs. If you’re not sure where to start, read on for our top energy-saving tips during summer in Florida.
Energy-Saving Thermostat Settings During Summer
Even if you have the most efficient HVAC system on the market, if you don’t know how to use your thermostat to your advantage, you won’t be getting the most out of your AC.
So what are the best thermostat settings during summer in Florida? At A Plus Air Conditioning, we recommend Florida homeowners set their thermostat between 76 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit during the day if someone is home.
If you and your loved ones are gone for the better part of the day, we recommend setting your thermostat slightly higher to save energy.
While the right temperature for you will come down to your comfort preferences, this tends to be the ideal setting for both comfort and efficiency.
Energy-Saving Tips for Summer in Florida
Setting your thermostat to the right setting during the summer is only part of the battle. In order to stay cool and comfortable while reducing your energy costs, we recommend following these energy-saving tips for summer in Florida.
1. Use Box Fans and Ceiling Fans
Many homeowners don’t realize how the addition of a box fan or ceiling fan can positively impact their home’s overall comfort. While fans won’t reduce the temperature in your home the same way your air conditioner will, these simple appliances can keep your home comfortable for less when used in conjunction with your AC. This is because fans circulate the air, making it feel a few degrees cooler. When you use your fans, you can raise the temperature on your thermostat up to five degrees without sacrificing comfort.
2. Add Window Treatments
Natural light is beautiful, but summer heat coupled with direct sunlight can make your home warmer than you want it to be. If you don’t already have window treatments like blinds or light-reducing curtains, investing in them can help keep your home cool for less this summer and beyond.
3. Avoid Using Appliances That Give Off Heat
Some appliances give off excess heat than you might think. From your clothes dryer to gaming systems and, of course, your oven – all of these things can raise the temperature in your home, especially if it’s not well ventilated. Cutting back on using these appliances during the hottest hours of the day can help keep your home cool without overloading your AC.
4. Cook Outdoors
Speaking of your oven…your oven (and your stovetop, toaster oven, and more) can raise the temperature inside of your home pretty significantly. Of course, you gotta eat, which is why we recommend getting a little creative. Try cooking more meals that require minimal heat. Better yet, why not opt to cook more meals outdoors? Invite your friends over for an outdoor BBQ and you won’t have to worry about your oven being on for an extended period.
5. Change Your AC’s Air Filter
One of the easiest energy-saving tips we have for you is to change your air filter on a regular basis. Air filters work constantly to collect dirt, dust, and other debris from the air in your home. But air filters get dirty, and if not changed regularly, a dirty air filter won’t provide the same benefits. Worst of all, leaving a dirty, clogged air filter in your AC puts excess strain on your system. As a result, you’ll likely see a rise in your energy costs.
6. Invest In a Programmable Thermostat
If you don’t already have a programmable thermostat, we highly recommend making the investment. With this user-friendly device, you can program your comfort settings in advance, so you don’t have to worry about manually adjusting your thermostat throughout the day. Best of all, when used correctly, a programmable thermostat can save some homeowners as much as 30% on their cooling costs.
Learn More About Programmable Thermostats at A Plus Air Conditioning
Now that you know the best energy-saving thermostat settings for summer, it’s time to make sure your thermostat is ready for the heat. If you don’t already have a programmable thermostat, we recommend taking a look at the variety of programmable thermostats we offer Florida homeowners. With the right thermostat and thermostat settings, you can maximize your comfort without raising your energy costs. If you have questions about your thermostat or are looking to upgrade, we can help. Give us a call today to learn more and be sure to check out our blog for more energy-saving tips.