With temperatures routinely climbing into the 90s and humidity making it feel even hotter, air conditioning systems in Tampa homes often run around the clock. This constant demand can lead to high energy costs if your system isn’t set up with the best thermostat settings.
Just adjusting your thermostat settings can make a big difference. Whether you have a traditional programmable thermostat or a modern smart model, knowing how to set it properly can keep you comfortable and cooling costs under control.
Learn how with these expert tips on the best thermostat settings for Tampa’s summer heat and how smart technology can help you save even more.
What Is the Best Thermostat Setting for a Tampa Summer?
When you’re home during the day, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F. This setting strikes a balance between comfort and energy savings. It keeps your space cool enough to prevent condensation and that stale air feeling without putting too much strain on your air conditioner.
If you’ll be away from home for several hours, raising your thermostat to 85°F or higher can help you save even more. Program a smart thermostat to cool the house back down before you come home. That way, you can enjoy a cool house from the second you get home and major savings when you’re away.
Nighttime Setting Recommendation
Most people enjoy nighttime temperatures between 72°F and 75°F. That’s a good balance between overcooling your home and overworking your AC.
Why Small Adjustments Matter
It might not seem like much, but changing your thermostat by just 1 or 2 degrees can make a noticeable difference in your monthly utility bill. The closer your indoor temperature is to the outdoor temperature, the less your system has to work. Over the course of a hot Tampa summer, these small adjustments can add up to real savings, helping you lower your energy costs without sacrificing comfort.
How Programmable and Smart Thermostats Help You Save
A programmable thermostat lets you set a schedule based on when you’re typically home or away. For example, you can program it to raise the temperature while you’re at work and lower it again before you get home. Once the schedule is set, you don’t have to think about it again; your thermostat does the work for you.
Smart Features That Do More
Smart thermostats take it to the next level with features that make controlling your home’s temperature easier than ever:
- Remote Control via Mobile Apps: Whether you decided to spend a little longer at the beach or you’re stuck in traffic, you can adjust your thermostat from your smartphone.
- Learning Technology: Many smart thermostats learn your habits and automatically adjust settings based on your routines.
- Energy Usage Reports: See how much energy you’re using and get tips on how to save more, right from the app.
Zoning and Sensor Technology
Some smart thermostat systems include zoning and sensors that allow you to control temperatures in different rooms or areas of your home. This means you can cool the rooms you use the most, like your living room or bedroom, without wasting energy on areas you rarely use.
It’s a smart way to stay comfortable and maximize your HVAC system’s efficiency.
The Importance of Thermostat Location
Even the best thermostat can give you trouble if it’s placed in the wrong spot. Believe it or not, where your thermostat is installed plays a big role in how well your HVAC system performs and how much energy you use.
Why Placement Matters
Your thermostat measures the temperature in your home and tells your AC when to turn on or off from a sensor within the thermostat. If it’s placed in a location that’s much warmer or colder than the rest of the house, it can give your system the wrong information, causing it to run too often or not enough.
- Avoid Hot or Drafty Spots
- Choose a Spot on a Central Interior Wall
Reducing HVAC Strain with Smart Thermostat Strategies
Using your thermostat the right way doesn’t just save money. It also helps protect your HVAC system from unnecessary wear and tear. Smart thermostat strategies can make a big difference in how hard your system works, especially during Tampa’s extreme summer heat.
Pre-Cooling During Off-Peak Hours
One smart way to lower the strain on your AC is by pre-cooling your home earlier in the day, when outdoor temperatures are lower and energy demand is not as high, even if you don’t feel like you need the AC yet. By getting your home to a comfortable temperature before the hottest part of the afternoon, you prevent the system from working overtime when the sun is at its strongest.
Gradual Temperature Changes
Try to resist the urge to lower the temperature a lot at once. The savings earned from keeping the temperature high while you’re gone can be lost if you turn it all the way down as soon as you get home. The HVAC has to run hard for a long time to lower the temperature, which puts a lot of strain on it. Raising or lowering the temperature by just a degree or two at a time keeps your AC from working too hard to catch up.
Fan-Only Mode and Circulation Settings
Most smart thermostats have a fan-only or circulation mode. This setting keeps air moving through your home without running the compressor non-stop.
Using your system’s fan between cooling cycles helps distribute cool air more evenly, making your home feel more comfortable without using as much energy.
Why Choose Millian Aire for Thermostat Solutions
At Millian Aire, we know how important it is to have the right thermostat, installed the right way, and fully integrated with your existing HVAC system. That’s why we offer professional thermostat installation services for both programmable and smart models. Our trained technicians ensure your new thermostat is set up correctly, helping you get the most out of your investment.
We don’t just install thermostats; we help you find the perfect fit for your home. Whether you want to keep it simple or upgrade to the latest smart technology, we offer personalized consultations to help you choose the best solution for your comfort and budget.
We’ll make sure your thermostat works seamlessly with your current heating and cooling system for maximum efficiency and performance.
Ready to take control of your home’s comfort and energy costs? Contact Millian Aire today to schedule a thermostat upgrade, professional consultation, or HVAC system tune-up. We’re here to help you stay cool and comfortable, without breaking the bank.
