While you’re inside, you probably like keeping your Florida home cool and comfortable to give you a break from the extreme heat outside during many months of the year. But what about when you’re away from home? What temperature do you have it on then? If you’re unsure what you should set your AC at, don’t miss the rest of this post. We’ll answer questions like “what is the best temperature to set your AC while you’re away from home?” and many other top questions you have surrounding air conditioning and Florida.
What Is The Best Temperature to Set Your AC While Away From Your Florida Home?
When you’re away from home in the summer, a good rule of thumb is to increase the temperature in your home by about five degrees from where you usually set it. So, if you like to keep your home at 78º, you might set your air conditioning to 83º before you head out of town. This will help save energy while still keeping your home relatively comfortable without needing to keep you extra cool on hot days
If you have a newer AC unit, it might even have an away mode or a vacation mode that you can set. This will ramp up the temperature gradually over time so that it’s not such a big shock to your system when you arrive back home.
You might also want to consider using a smart thermostat like Nest or Ecobee. These devices can be controlled remotely, so you can always check in on your home’s temperature and make adjustments even if you’re not there.
How to Save Energy When You’re Away from Home
Of course, there are other things you can do to save energy while you’re away from home. In addition to setting your AC to a higher temperature, you can:
- Unplug electronics that you won’t be using. Chargers for phones, laptops, and other devices can still use energy even when they’re not plugged into something.
- Turn off lights in rooms that you’re not in.
- Close the blinds or drapes to help keep your home cooler.
- If you have ceiling fans, be sure they’re turned off since they’ll just circulate the warm air in your home. Also, fans are meant to keep people cool, not rooms. So if no one is in your home, they’re just wasting energy!
How to Keep Hot Air From Leaking Into Your Home
It’s also worth taking the time to ensure your home is well-sealed so hot air can’t sneak in. When it’s hot outside, the last thing you want is for your home to be even hotter because of drafts.
Here are some tips for sealing up your home:
- Check for gaps around doors and windows. If you can see light coming in, that means hot air can get in, too. You might need to add weatherstripping or caulk to close up the gaps.
- Look for cracks in your foundation or any other openings to the outside. These are easy spots for hot air to come in.
- Make sure your attic is well-insulated. Heat rises, so if your attic isn’t well insulated, all that heat will just seep into your home.
- Don’t forget about your vents! If you have vents in your attic or crawlspace, ensure they’re properly sealed so hot air can’t creep in.
How to Lower Your Water Heating Costs
While you might want your home cool and comfortable, most Florida homeowners want hot water on demand! So here are some extra tips for lowering your water heating costs.
- If you have an electric water heater, turn it down to 120º.
- If you’re going to be gone for more than a few days, you can even turn it off entirely. Just be sure to relight the pilot light when you get back!
- If you have a gas water heater, you can’t turn it off, but you can still lower the temperature to save some energy.
- Invest in a water-saving showerhead. You’ll use less hot water and save money on your energy bill.
- Wash your clothes in cold water whenever possible.
Other Tips for Air Conditioning in Florida
Here are a few extra tips to keep in mind when it comes to your air conditioning in Florida:
- Get your AC unit serviced regularly. This will help ensure it’s running properly and optimally. During your service appointment, your technician will also be able to catch any small issues before they turn into big air conditioner problems.
- Change your AC filter regularly. Dirty filters will make your unit work harder and use more energy.
- Make sure your vents are open and unobstructed. If your vents are blocked, that can strain your AC unit and cause it to use more energy.
- Consider investing in a zoning system. This will allow you to control the temperature separately in different parts of your home. That way, you can keep your living room cool without cooling off the entire house.
(Learn more about the best A/C units for South Florida next)
Florida Air Conditioning FAQs
Next, let’s answer some frequently asked questions about air conditioning in Florida.
What is the best temperature to set your AC while you’re home?
The ideal temperature to set your AC while home depends on your preferences. Some people like their homes to be cooler, while others prefer them to be warmer. Just remember that every degree you raise or lower your thermostat can add about 3-5% to your energy bill.
How often should I have my AC unit serviced?
You should have your AC unit serviced at least once a year. This can ensure it’s running properly and efficiently.
When should I change my AC filter?
You should change your AC filter every 1-3 months, depending on your filter type.
I think my AC unit is leaking. What should I do?
If you think your AC unit is leaking, the best thing to do is turn it off and call a professional. However, leaks can be dangerous, so it’s best to leave them to the experts.
How do I solve uneven cooling problems in my home?
If you have uneven cooling in your home, it could be caused by a variety of factors. One possibility is that your vents are blocked. Another possibility is that your AC unit isn’t sized correctly for your home. If you’re not sure what the problem is, the best thing to do is call a professional.
What’s the best way to cool a room with no windows?
If you have a room in your home with no windows, the best way to cool it is with a portable air conditioner if you don’t have a central air conditioner. These small units can be moved from room to room as needed. Portable air conditioners are a great option for cooling a room with no windows because they don’t require any installation.
What are some signs that I need a new AC unit?
If your AC unit is more than 10 years old, it might be time for a replacement. Other signs that you might need a new AC unit include strange noises, leaks, and high energy bills. If you’re unsure whether you need a new AC unit, the best thing to do is call a professional.
How do I pick the right size central AC for my home?
There are a few factors to consider when choosing the right size central AC for your home.
The first is the square footage of your home. You’ll need a bigger AC unit in bigger homes to cool it effectively. The next factor to keep in mind is the climate. If you live in a hot and humid environment, you might need a bigger AC unit than someone who lives in a cooler climate. The third factor to consider is the number of people who live in your home. The more people there are, the larger the AC unit you’ll need. And the fourth is your personal preferences.
These are all essential factors to consider because they’ll help you determine what size AC unit you need.
A/C Care Heat and Air is your total home comfort professional on the Treasure Coast and in the Palm Beach areas. Our expert heating and cooling technicians have years of experience working on various brands of air conditioners, heat pumps, and air handlers. We want your home to be comfortable no matter the time of year, so when you choose A/C Care Heat and Air, you’ll get top-notch service every time. In addition, we offer financing on approved credit, so you always know you can get the right heating and air services when you need them!