Finding the best summer thermostat settings is one of the easiest ways to improve comfort, reduce energy bills, and extend the life of your air conditioner. In Florida’s intense heat and humidity, your thermostat plays a critical role in managing not just temperature but also how hard your AC works every day.

Many homeowners wonder how low to set their thermostat during the summer. While it’s tempting to drop the temperature for immediate relief, that can lead to overworked systems, higher energy costs, and humidity issues. In this guide, we’ll explain the best thermostat settings for Florida’s hot season and offer practical tips to keep your home cool without driving up your utility bill.

What Are the Best Summer Thermostat Settings?

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the recommended setting for summer is 78°F when you’re home and awake, striking a balance between comfort and energy savings. For most Florida households, this temperature feels cool enough to stay comfortable without forcing your AC to run constantly.

If you’re away from home during the day, raise the thermostat to around 85°F. This prevents unnecessary cooling and helps your system use less electricity. At night, you can lower it slightly from about 74°F to 76°F, depending on personal preference and how well your home retains cool air. If your system is well-maintained and your home is properly insulated, you will notice a big difference in comfort with these settings.

For even better performance, pair these settings with ceiling fans or floor fans. Moving air helps the body feel cooler, meaning you can keep the thermostat a few degrees higher without sacrificing comfort.

Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat for Better Control

If you’re still using a manual thermostat, upgrading to a programmable or smart model can enable you to schedule temperature changes throughout the day based on your routine. This gives you complete control over your comfort and energy usage. For example, you can automatically increase the temperature when you leave for work and lower it again just before you return home.

Smart thermostats offer even more control by learning your habits and adjusting in real-time. They can be controlled through smartphone apps, which allow you to change the settings at any time from anywhere. Some models provide energy usage reports and system alerts. If you’re considering an upgrade, our team at FL-Air Heating and Cooling can guide you through options that complement your system. Visit our AC maintenance or AC installation pages to learn more.

Thermostat Tips to Boost Comfort and Efficiency

Fine-tuning your thermostat is just the beginning. Several habits can help you stay cooler while keeping energy costs down.

Close blinds and curtains during the hottest part of the day. Blocking sunlight helps reduce indoor heat gain, especially in rooms that face east or west. Less heat inside means your system doesn’t have to work as hard to cool the space.

Avoid adjusting the thermostat constantly. Every time you change the setting drastically, your system uses more energy to catch up. Set a consistent schedule and let your AC work gradually and efficiently to maintain your preferred temperature.

Ceiling fans effectively move air throughout a room, helping your skin feel cooler. As a result, you can comfortably increase your thermostat setting by a couple of degrees. This small adjustment reduces strain on your air conditioning system, potentially lowering your energy costs. Be sure to switch off ceiling fans when you exit a room to prevent unnecessary electricity usage.

Check your thermostat’s location. If your thermostat is placed near a window, kitchen, or heat-producing appliance, it may read inaccurately. This can lead to short cycling, a condition where the AC system turns on and off frequently, or overcooling. Short cycling can lead to increased wear and tear on your system, potentially shortening its lifespan. A licensed technician can relocate the thermostat if necessary for optimal performance.

Consider Humidity When Setting the Thermostat

Florida’s high humidity often impacts indoor comfort just as significantly as temperature. Even with an optimal thermostat setting, excess humidity inside can make your home feel warmer and less comfortable than it actually is. Addressing humidity along with temperature helps ensure overall indoor comfort, creating an environment that’s genuinely pleasant and balanced.

Using a programmable thermostat to maintain a consistent temperature can help reduce indoor humidity levels. If moisture is still an issue, you may need to check your system’s performance or add a whole-home dehumidifier. Our AC repair and indoor air quality services can help diagnose and resolve humidity issues that impact comfort and airflow.

Final Thoughts on the Best Summer Thermostat Settings

Managing your thermostat effectively is one of the easiest ways to stay cool while protecting your HVAC system from overuse. By following the best summer thermostat settings, 78°F when home, higher when away, and slightly lower at night, you can enjoy comfort and efficiency all season long.

Combining these settings with ceiling fans, scheduled automation, and humidity control gives you even more control over your indoor climate. The result is a more balanced, comfortable living environment with fewer surprises on your energy bill.

Contact FL-Air Heating and Cooling

Need help setting up your thermostat, upgrading to a smart model, or solving cooling and humidity issues? The experts at FL-Air Heating and Cooling are here to help. We offer thermostat installation, seasonal maintenance, and expert guidance on how to get the most from your AC system this summer.

Call 813-800-2665 or email office@flairhvac.com to schedule your next service. Let’s get your home summer-ready and keep it comfortable through the hottest months ahead.