Whether you are going to work for 8 to 9 hours or are going away on vacation, you want to make sure that you maximize your AC’s efficiency. But what should you set your thermostat to while you’re away?
Our team at Super Heat & Air outlines some of our top tips!
Finding the Perfect Temperature
Finding the right temperature for your AC while you are away can be confusing. There are many factors that go into this decision, including how long you will be gone, what time of day you are leaving, and where you live.
The Florida Solar Energy Center recommends setting your AC to 85 degrees when you are away on a short-term vacation. But it is important to note that this might not be accurate for your specific situation.
But the Florida Public Service Commission recommends that the thermostat should be kept below 80 degrees for at least part of the day to keep your house from being overrun by mold.
Of course, comfort is subjective, but in hot humid Florida, we need all the comfort that we can get! We recommend setting your thermostat to around 78 degrees when you are at work or away on vacation, 74 degrees when you are at home, and 70 when you are sleeping.
Don’t Turn Your AC Off
We recommend leaving your air conditioner on, even if you will be away for days. When your air conditioner is turned off, your house can become hot and humid. That humidity is bad for your furniture, walls, and your home’s flooring.
Not only will your air conditioning system be able to prevent damage from occurring if left on, but it is also more energy efficient. When you return home, you’ll naturally want the house to be cooler. Leaving your AC on requires less energy than trying to cool down a hot house when you get home.
Going on Vacation
If you don’t want to set your thermostat too high during a summer vacation, HVAC experts suggest the 4-degree rule. To follow this rule:
Set your thermostat 4 degrees higher than you would if you were home
In the winter, subtract 4 degrees
Also, when considering vacations during Florida winters, set your thermostat to auto so it can switch to heat or cooling as needed to keep your home cooling at 78 degrees or heating at 64 degrees.
An important thing to remember too is that too much heat and humidity can lead to mold and mildew growth. Don’t shut off the AC, simply raise the temperature.
Installing a Smart Thermostat
If you want to save money and be able to change the temperature in your home while you are away, consider installing a programmable smart thermostat. You can schedule these thermostats to turn your AC on or off or fluctuate the temperature based on your schedule or the weather outside.
The best part is that they can be controlled from your phone, meaning that no matter where you are, whether at work or the beach, you can set your thermostat. This means that you can save a lot on your electricity bill and not worry that you accidentally forgot to set the thermostat. Nice!
Tampa HVAC Services
Ready to install a smart thermostat so you can remotely access your home’s temperature no matter where you are? Call on our team of HVAC pros at Super Heat & Air to get the job done! We will help you decide on what kind of thermostat to get and the optimal placement to ensure its efficiency.
Call us for a smart thermostat consultation today at (813) 279-8213 .
