Living in Miami, we all know how brutal the summer heat can be. It’s like stepping into a sauna every time you leave the house!
But your home shouldn’t feel like that, right? That’s where setting the right temperature for your thermostat comes in.
Recommended AC Temperature Settings for Florida Summers
So, what’s the magic number? Most experts say you should aim for somewhere between 78 degrees and 80 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re home and awake. That might sound too warm, but hear us out!
First off, most people find this range pretty comfy, especially if you’re keeping the humidity in check. It’s also a sweet spot for your wallet; did you know that for every degree you bump up your thermostat, you could save about 3% on your cooling costs? That adds up fast!
When you’re out and about or catching some Z’s, you can even push it a bit higher, up to around 85°F.
Things to Consider When Setting Your Thermostat
The best thermostat setting for summer in Miami depends on a few different factors:
Outdoor Temperature: Adjust settings based on the weather. Cooler mornings and evenings allow for higher thermostat settings or natural cooling through open windows.
Ceiling Fans: The Department of Energy recommends the use of ceiling fans year-round. Ceiling fans can allow you to raise your theromostat by as much as 4° without losing comfort.
Humidity: High humidity levels make indoor temperatures feel warmer; using a dehumidifier can improve comfort.
Time of Day: Adjust your thermostat throughout the day based on outdoor temperatures and household activities.
Personal Preference: Everyone’s different. Maybe you run hot, or perhaps you’re always colder than everyone else. Play around with your settings and see what works for you.
Just remember, the closer you stick to these guidelines, the happier your AC (and your bank account) will be.
Smart Thermostats: Consider investing in a smart thermostat. These bad boys learn your schedule and preferences and can do all the temperature juggling for you.
Ready to made the switch to a smart thermostat? Our One Hour AC technicians can help get it set up and running smoothly. And if you run into issues with your AC down the road, we are here to help with all of your AC repair needs.
Should I Keep My Thermostat on ‘Auto’ or ‘On’?
In ‘auto’ mode, your air conditioner only runs when needed, which is great for your energy bill. But some folks find the on-and-off cycle a bit annoying. It’s really about what you prefer.
‘Auto’ Mode: This setting allows your thermostat to control when the air conditioning turns on and off based on your set temperature. It promotes energy savings and consistent indoor temperatures.
Benefits of ‘Auto’ Mode:
- Energy efficiency
- Maintains consistent comfort levels
Drawbacks of ‘Auto’ Mode:
- Potential for minor temperature fluctuations as the system cycles on and off
- Some individuals, including pets or children sensitive to temperature changes, may find this uncomfortable
How to Set Your Thermostat Before You Go Out of Town
Heading out of town to escape the heat? Don’t forget to adjust your thermostat! You can crank it up to about 85°F for short trips. You might go even higher for longer getaways, but be careful not to overdo it. You don’t want to come back to a moldy mess!
If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, you can set it to cool your home shortly before your return.
Keeping cool in Miami isn’t easy, but with the proper thermostat setting and some planning ahead, you and your wallet can both stay comfortable.