logo
Florida high heat index: What's the best temperature to set your air conditioner thermostat?

Florida high heat index: What's the best temperature to set your air conditioner thermostat?

Yahoo14-05-2025
Temperatures are rising and we are depending more and more on the state's most appreciated appliance: the air conditioner.
It's roasting out there, which brings up the question: what temperature should I set my thermostat on?
Short answer: it depends.
Can't see the poll? Follow the link to vote.
There isn't a magic number that everyone should use. It's a decision you make based on:
What feels comfortable to you and the other people in your household
The health conditions of people in your household
How well your home is insulated and otherwise protected against heat
What other cooling methods you use (floor fans, ceiling fans, closed curtains/shades, etc.)
How much you're willing to pay on your electric bill
The first and last ones are the most important ones. If you can afford it, run your a/c as low as you want. Just be prepared for considerably higher bills and likely more air conditioner maintenance and repairs, although Florida Power & Light has been lowering rates lately.
FPL spokesperson Katarina Alvarez said a one-degree increase in thermostats could save between 3-5% on cooling costs. The less your a/c has to work, the lower your bill.
So set your thermostat to the highest temperature you can remain comfortable in and can afford, and look for other ways to cool off your place.
For a long time, 78 degrees has been the number everyone drops in their "stay cool" guides. Which is fine for some people, and for lizards.
When the media and electric utility companies promote 78 degrees they often refer to ENERGY STAR, a program run by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that has become synonymous with energy-efficient appliances. But ENERGY STAR doesn't recommend any specific temperature.
'ENERGY STAR does not assert that any particular temperature setting is good for households,' the EPA said in an email to The Palm Beach Post.
In the Florida summer, opening your windows day or night isn't a good idea unless you just like the heat.
Temperatures don't drop that much in the Sunshine State overnight and letting the place heat up means your a/c will have to start from scratch in the morning. It also means letting in a lot of moist, hot air that will get absorbed by the carpeting and furniture upholstery, which means an uncomfortable house and the increased possibility of mildew.
Turning it up a bit while you're gone can save you money, but unless you'll be gone for a week or more the work your a/c will have to do to bring the temp back down to liveable when you get home may not be worth what you save by turning it off.
Air conditioning also helps reduce humidity in your house, and that helps keep mold and mildew in check. There are also your pets to consider. Your dogs and cats don't like the heat any more than you do, and they have fewer ways to cool off.
When you're out of the house for an extended amount of time, FPL recommends setting your thermostat to 85 degrees with the fan on "auto."
Older adults are more prone to heat stress, according to the Centers for Disease Control. They don't adjust as well to temperature changes, they're more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes their normal responses to heat, and they're more likely to take prescription medicines that affect the body's ability to control its temperature.
Older people also are more prone to Alzheimer's disease and other dementia-related illnesses, and scorching heat can be even more dangerous for individuals who may not notice that they're overheating, may not understand what it means, may have impaired judgment, or may not be able to tell anyone about it.
"Summer can be extremely dangerous for those with Alzheimer's in Florida," Julie Shatzer, Vice President of Programs for the Florida chapters of the Alzheimer's Association, said in an email. "Symptoms of overheating can be difficult to detect in those with Alzheimer's and other dementia since they can be similar."
Even if you're running your a/c nonstop, there are plenty of ways to give your air conditioner less to do.
Use a programmable or smart thermostat. Raise the temps to 78-82 or more while you're at work, away or during the night (if you can).
Start a fan club. Fans don't cool the air but they do make you feel better as the moving air cools your skin and helps your body evaporate sweat. Turn on your ceiling fans and put smaller fans around the place to keep your air circulating. Be sure to turn them off when you leave the room for more savings.
Change your a/c filter regularly. Easy to do, and it does wonders to help your a/c help you. Dirty or clogged filters make a/c units work harder. Don't use a heavier filter than you need. Some promise to filter out all viruses, contaminants and pet dander, but they also choke airflow and may make your a/c work harder. The government's Energy Star program suggests changing your a/c filter every three months but says if it looks dirty after a month go ahead and swap it out.
Close curtains and blinds. Keeping direct sunlight out of the house helps keep the inside from heating up.
Keep vents clear. Blocking a/c vents blocks airflow. You want airflow so the room will cool to the temp the thermostat is set at.
Check your insulation and weatherstripping. If heat is getting into the house (and cool air is getting out) your a/c has to work harder. Check the weatherstripping around windows and doors and make sure your attic is insulated.
Close doors and vents of rooms you're not using. Why pay to cool a room you don't need to? Close the vents in your guest room, utility room or any space you don't use regularly and keep the door closed. However, don't close off any rooms that connect to other rooms you do use, otherwise you'll block airflow through the area.
Cut your electric bill elsewhere. Unplug equipment and appliances that use energy even when turned off, such as TVs, air fryers and video game consoles. Turn lights off if you're not using them. Lower your water heat temp to 120. Use cold water in the washing machine. Use smaller appliances in the kitchen. Basically, everything your parents used to tell you to do. Sorry.
. A/C repair companies are busy in the summer, and if yours breaks down they might not be able to get to you right away. Keep yours in good shape before it starts to make weird noises.
Things you can do: 6 easy air conditioner tips to keep the cool air coming in the Florida heat
ENERGY STAR recommends once a year, in the spring, but Floridians might want to go twice, especially if you live near the coast.
Change or clean the air filter every month.
Keep leaves, shrubbery and other debris at least 18 inches away from the outdoor unit to avoid blocking the airflow. Don't cover the condenser coil outside to make your house look prettier. Cooler is more important.
If you have an outdoor drain, keep it clear and unclogged.
Your a/c needs to be repaired if it stops working (obviously), makes loud noises while running, or can't keep your house cooled to at least 78 degrees. But it might need to be replaced if it's over 10-15 years old, your energy bills have skyrocketed and you keep having to get it fixed
Older units have other issues, such as increasingly scarce parts or outdated coolant. The U.S. ceased production of Freon in 2020 and older units used R-22 Freon, which is getting tougher to find. And newer systems are more energy efficient.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida heat wave: For hot weather keep your a/c to these settings
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Columbus swelters under June heat wave. See when it will cool down
Columbus swelters under June heat wave. See when it will cool down

Yahoo

time25-06-2025

  • Yahoo

Columbus swelters under June heat wave. See when it will cool down

It's going to be hot in Columbus this week. Very hot. Maybe even hot enough to fry an egg on the pavement. Temperatures will stay in the high 90s at the start of the week, with heat index values hitting 104 degrees. Starting on June 25, temperatures are expected to break, but not by much. They'll hover in the low 90s at least through June 29, the end of the National Weather Service's current forecast. Related heat wave article : Heat wave hits US: See where it will be the hottest Showers and thunderstorms will sneak into the forecast starting June 24, with the highest chance of precipitation occurring on June 26 and June 27. Columbus and much of Ohio are under a heat advisory issued by the National Weather Service until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24. Consecutive days of high heat and humidity, with little relief even at night, will make the next few days especially hazardous, according to the advisory. To beat the heat, NWS Wilmington recommends drinking plenty of fluids, staying in air-conditioned rooms, avoiding the sun and checking in on your neighbors. Stay cool in Columbus: Summer 2025 starting with heat wave. See where to stay cool in Columbus The short answer is, "It's June," but the weather phenomenon known as a "heat dome" will cover a majority of the central and eastern U.S., according to the latest projections from Accuweather. But what is a heat dome? The NOAA says that a heat dome occurs "when a persistent region of high-pressure traps heat over a particular area, and it can linger for days to weeks." Heat domes are often linked to how the jet stream behaves. The jet stream is a band of fast-moving winds high up in the atmosphere that move in wavy patterns. "When the jet stream meanders north, it moves slower and can sink, which lowers humidity," NOAA said. "This allows the sun to create progressively hotter conditions on the ground. Air descending down mountains can also contribute to heat domes, as it warms even more." Temperatures will cool slightly starting on Wednesday, June 25, when the high is expected to drop to 94 degrees, down from Tuesday's expected high of 97. The high will remain near 94 until Saturday, June 29, when it is expected to dip to 91 degrees. If you're concerned about your energy bill as your air conditioner works especially hard this week, USA TODAY has some tips for you. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat at a level that keeps you comfortable indoors and controls for humidity. If you want to save money, you can raise the thermostat temperature to reduce the difference between the temperature inside and outside. Energy Star, an Environmental Protection Agency program promoting energy efficiency, has more aggressive advice for saving money on air conditioning. It recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees for comfort and efficiency when you wake up in the morning. Multiple energy companies around the U.S. also recommend setting your thermostat to 78 degrees during the summer. Monday: It will be sunny and hot with a high near 97. Heat index values will be as high as 104. There will be a southwest wind of 5 to 10 mph. Monday Night: It will be mostly clear, with a low around 76. There will be a southwest wind of 5 to 7 mph that will become calm in the evening. Tuesday: There is a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. It will be mostly sunny and hot with a high near 97. Heat index values will be as high as 104. There will be a calm wind that will start moving southwest at 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is 20%. Tuesday Night: It will be partly cloudy, with a low around 76. There will be a west wind of around 6 mph that will become calm in the evening. Wednesday: There is a chance of showers and thunderstorms. It will be mostly sunny, with a high near 94. There will be a calm wind that will start moving west at around 6 mph in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch are expected, except higher amounts could be possible if there are thunderstorms. Wednesday Night: There is a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2 a.m. It will be partly cloudy with a low of around 75. The chance of precipitation is 20%. Thursday: There is a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., then showers are likely, and a thunderstorm is possible after 2 p.m. It will be mostly sunny, with a high near 94. The chance of precipitation is 60%. Thursday Night: Showers are likely, and a thunderstorm is possible before 8 p.m. There is then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. It will be partly cloudy with a low of around 74. The chance of precipitation is 60%. Friday: Showers are likely, and a thunderstorm is possible, mainly after 2 p.m. It will be mostly sunny, with a high near 94. The chance of precipitation is 60%. Friday Night: Showers are likely, and a thunderstorm is possible before 8 p.m., then there is a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m., then there is a chance of showers after 2 a.m. It will be mostly cloudy, with a low of around 74. The chance of precipitation is 60%. Saturday: There is a chance of showers and thunderstorms. It will be mostly sunny, with a high near 91. The chance of precipitation is 50%. Saturday Night: There is a chance of showers and thunderstorms. It will be mostly cloudy, with a low of around 72. The chance of precipitation is 30%. Sunday: There is a chance of showers and thunderstorms. It will be mostly sunny, with a high near 91. The chance of precipitation is 50%. Breaking and Trending News Reporter Nathan Hart can be reached at NHart@ and at @NathanRHart on X and at on Bluesky. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Heat advisory: Heat index over 100 degrees expected this week

Is the heat wave over yet? Do these things until the heat breaks.
Is the heat wave over yet? Do these things until the heat breaks.

USA Today

time25-06-2025

  • USA Today

Is the heat wave over yet? Do these things until the heat breaks.

A major heat wave will persist through the end of the week in some areas of the country. Here's what to do while the temperatures remain high. Forecasters predict the worst of a record-setting heat wave may soon be over — but millions still need to take precautions to stay safe from dangerous heat. The most significant heat conditions are expected to continue across the Mid-Atlantic through Thursday, June 26 and the eastern Ohio Valley into Friday, June 27, according to the National Weather Service. AccuWeather meteorologists said extreme heat may begin to subside Wednesday, June 25, in New England, the Upper Midwest and the Plains, with temperatures dropping into the 70s and 80s. For those still experiencing the oppressive heat, here's some tips for how to find your own bit of relief. Save energy but keep your home cool The balance between staying cool and keeping energy costs low can be tricky amid a heat wave, when sitting in front of a blasting air conditioner is oh-so-appealing. The Environmental Protection Agency's energy-efficiency program Energy Star recommends setting the thermostat to 78 degrees when you wake up during summer months to maximize efficiency. Michael Webber, a professor of engineering who studies energy at University of Texas at Austin, said pre-cooling your home by running the air conditioning more in the morning and evening, and less in the afternoon when temperatures are at their peak can go a long way, too. 'Picking the right temperature and cooling your house at the best times, these are things you can do for free essentially,' to stay comfortable and save on energy costs, Webber said. Portable electric fans can also help make a room feel cooler, but the National Weather Service recommends pointing them away from yourself when the room temperature is higher than 90 degrees. The dry blowing air can lead to dehydration, the agency says. If you don't have air conditioning, or if it isn't working, libraries, shopping malls, grocery stores and public cooling centers can also offer relief from scorching temperatures. Pay attention to your hydration You might want to think twice before ordering that large iced coffee – or margarita pitcher. Hydration is the name of the game during a heat wave and Betsy Koickel, chief medical officer at GoHealth Urgent Care, said 'excessive alcohol or caffeine intake can increase the risk of dehydration.' The American Red Cross said the average person should drink about three-fourths a gallon of water a day. Koickel recommended drinking water before you feel thirsty and replenishing with electrolyte replacements, such as Gatorade, especially if you plan to exercise or sit outside for extended periods. Consistent water intake may be particularly important for people taking medications that can cause dehydration, including some blood pressure drugs, antidepressants and antibiotics. She also said easy-to-digest foods, like fruits and salads, can help with hydration. If you need to wander outside, you can protect your skin by frequently reapplying sunscreen, wearing a loose, brimmed hat and choosing light-colored clothing. Be careful about what you wear The EPA recommends avoiding direct exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are the strongest and taking frequent breaks in the shade to cool off. Remember the symptoms of heat exhaustion In extreme cases, intense heat can lead to sickness as your body struggles to regulate its temperature. Early symptoms of heat injury, including thirst, lightheadedness or a headache, may develop if you don't properly hydrate, Koickel said. Dark-colored or foul-smelling urine may be another sign of severe dehydration. 'If you don't take steps to rehydrate at that point, it can lead to heat exhaustion. You could faint. You could start to experience some severe muscle cramps, excessive sweating, and then if that's not taken care of, it can eventually lead to heat stroke.' Heat stroke can occur when someone's body temperature reaches 100.4 degrees. If heat illness reaches that point, she recommended calling 911 or finding immediate medical attention. Heat stroke vs heat exhaustion: How to spot the difference and how to treat Contributing: Doyle Rice and Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY

Weather-Ready Homes Available Now During Oak Creek Homes' Sizzlin' Summer Sale
Weather-Ready Homes Available Now During Oak Creek Homes' Sizzlin' Summer Sale

Yahoo

time24-06-2025

  • Yahoo

Weather-Ready Homes Available Now During Oak Creek Homes' Sizzlin' Summer Sale

Special Savings on Delivery-Ready Prefabricated Homes Built for Tough Weather HOUSTON, June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Oak Creek Homes is offering major savings during its Sizzlin' Summer Sale, with deep discounts on a wide selection of weather-ready manufactured homes. These prefabricated homes are designed to stand up to severe weather, making them ideal for families living in tornado- and hurricane-prone areas. Homes in inventory are ready to deliver, giving buyers a great opportunity to secure a quality-built home while special pricing lasts. With over 50 years of experience, Oak Creek builds factory-crafted homes that blend strength, energy efficiency, and modern design. As an award-winning manufacturer, we offer homes ideal for first-time buyers, growing families, multi-generational living, retirees, and anyone ready to invest in homeownership. Why Choose Oak Creek Weather-Ready Homes? Our homes are built in controlled factory conditions to protect materials from harsh weather during construction. Key weather-ready features include: BuiltStrong™ Construction with reinforced frames and steel supports Built heavier with more steel and materials than our competitors and HUD code requires. Exterior walls with 16-inch stud spacing for extra strength Built for various wind zones, designed to handle winds up to 110 mph and modular homes up to 140 mph Heavy-duty wind straps securing the home's structure Durable Smart Panel siding, stronger and more weather-resistant than vinyl Increased insulation lowers energy use by up to 15% and cuts air leaks by 25% Energy-efficient thermal pane windows Sealed marriage line gasket to prevent moisture damage Comprehensive 47-point third-party inspection for homes 18 feet and wider. ENERGY STAR® certified models to reduce energy bills by up to 20% annually. Long-lasting PEX plumbing resistant to freezing and leaks Premium LG stainless steel kitchen appliances on new orders These features make Oak Creek homes a smart choice for tornado- and hurricane-prone regions, providing lasting protection and comfort. Real Stories from Oak Creek Homeowners Many homeowners have faced severe weather and seen firsthand how Oak Creek homes perform when storms strike. After back-to-back hurricanes, these families' homes stood strong while others did not. Hear their stories here. A Proud Partner in Weather Safety EducationOak Creek Homes is a proud Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador, partnering with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to help families prepare for hurricanes and tornadoes. Visit for the latest storm updates. Pick up your free hurricane tracker, preparedness checklist, or escape plan worksheet at your nearest Oak Creek Homes Center. Delivery-Ready Factory-Built Homes Available Now Oak Creek Homes offers a wide variety of weather-ready singlewides and doublewides in inventory, ready to deliver to your site—providing a faster path to homeownership without sacrificing quality. Built in Texas, Oak Creek homes are transported directly to your land, reducing costs and delays common in traditional homebuilding. Factory-Built Homes Delivered Across Texas and the Southern U.S. Oak Creek Homes builds high-quality, factory-built manufactured and prefabricated homes at our Texas-based factories, with 19 home centers serving families across Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, and parts of New Mexico. We make home ownership easy and affordable—no matter where you live in the South or Southwest. Act Fast — Best Selection and Savings Won't Last Take advantage of our Sizzlin' Summer Sale with limited-time discounts on in-stock, factory-built manufactured homes. Enjoy modern design, lasting quality, and affordable luxury—all priced to sell fast. Visit an Oak Creek Home Center today to tour available models and speak with a housing expert about financing and site setup. Explore locations and inventory today. Book your visit now and find your weather-ready home. Media Contact:Enica Jordan, Director of Marketing (888) 396-3901 press@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Oak Creek Homes Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store