Finding the right thermostat setting is crucial to maintain a comfortable indoor environment while keeping your energy bills as low as possible.

ENERGY STAR® recommends setting your air conditioner to 78 degrees during spring and summer for optimal efficiency.

However, as we approach the sweltering Florida summer, several factors can affect your optimal thermostat setting, especially when considering alternative ways to optimize energy efficiency and keep your home cool.

Factors That Influence Thermostat Settings

Outdoor Temperature

As temperatures rise, you’ll naturally want to lower the indoor temperature to ensure comfort. However, setting your thermostat too low can result in excessive energy usage.

Finding a balance is crucial, so set your thermostat to the highest temperature that keeps you comfortable.

If you can raise the thermostat a degree or two, even a small amount could make a significant difference in energy usage.

Humidity Levels

High or low humidity can make your home feel warmer or cooler than it is. Ideal indoor humidity levels are between 45% and 55% for Florida homes.

In Jacksonville, the humidity levels can be quite high during the summer months, which makes it challenging to optimize humidity control and energy savings.

Consider setting your thermostat a few degrees lower than usual if the humidity is relatively high.

You can also install a dehumidifier to support your AC and remove excess humidity.

Time of Day

Adjusting the thermostat based on the time of day can optimize energy efficiency.

You can set your temperature a few degrees higher when you’re out running errands or at the office since there’s no need to maintain your desired thermostat setting while you’re away.

You can also raise your thermostat to 82 degrees at night to accommodate the drop in temperature outside. This allows for more significant energy savings while maintaining a comfortable sleeping environment.

Personal Preferences

Everyone has different temperature preferences, so you can experiment with different settings to find the right balance between comfort and energy efficiency that works for everyone.

Encourage family members to wear a jacket if they’re more cold-natured or shed blankets if they get hot easily to reduce the need for frequent thermostat adjustments.

Other Ways To Make Your Air Conditioner More Energy-Efficient

Turn on Ceiling Fans

Using ceiling fans in conjunction with your air conditioning system can help circulate the cooled air more efficiently.

Use ceiling fans to create a wind-chill effect, allowing you to set the thermostat a few degrees higher without sacrificing comfort.

Remember to turn off fans when you leave the room to conserve energy.

Install a Smart Thermostat

Investing in a smart thermostat can revolutionize your HVAC system’s efficiency.

They can learn your preferences and routines and adjust temperature settings accordingly, maximizing energy savings.

Take advantage of features like mobile thermostat monitoring and scheduling that allow you to optimize comfort and energy usage through your smartphone!

Schedule Routine AC Maintenance

Schedule regular maintenance to ensure your air conditioner is operating at its best. Annual service includes:

• Cleaning key components
• Inspecting components for damage or malfunction
• Providing any necessary AC repairs

You should also replace air filters at least every three months to maintain proper airflow and reduce strain on your system.

Contact United Air Temp for Your Air Conditioning Tune-Up

Finding the optimal summer thermostat setting is essential to stay comfortable while conserving energy.

At United Air Temp, we work hard to ensure your air conditioner is in good repair, and annual maintenance is an easy way to monitor the condition of your unit.  

We also offer an HVAC maintenance plan called the Full Service Agreement, which includes annual AC and heating maintenance and exclusive benefits, including:

• Priority service
• No extra charge for service calls
• No extra charge for 24/7 emergency service
• And more

Contact United Air Temp online or call (904) 980-8769 to sign up and schedule air conditioning maintenance for your Jacksonville home.