What is the best temperature to set your thermostat during Florida summers? Vote in our poll
It's time to crank down that thermostat if you haven't already.
According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, temperatures above normal are expected across Florida from May 18 through May 22.
"Records could be tied or broken based on current forecasts. Lows appear to be above normal, and potentially close to record high minimum. Heat indices look to be peak to near 100," the National Weather Service Jacksonville warned in its forecast for May 16-May 19.
Ahead of the heat wave, Floridians are asking the age-old question that ruins relationships, destroys friendships and threatens marriages: what temperature do you set your air conditioner thermostat at?
Let's settle this once and for all.
This upcoming heat wave aligns with earlier predictions of above-normal temperatures during the summer season. According to Old Farmer's Almanac, NOAA and AccuWeather forecasters, Florida is set to face another record-breaking hot summer.
Most of the U.S., including Florida, is expected to be hot and dry this summer. The forecast is for meteorological summer, which is June, July and August. South Florida, though, could see cooler, rainy conditions.
"It's going to be a scorcher of a summer," according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.
Astronomical summer arrives on the summer solstice and ends with the autumn equinox. It will run from June 20, the date of the summer solstice for 2025, to Sept. 22, the arrival of the autumn equinox.
Can't see the poll? Follow the link to vote.
Short answer: it depends. 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 do 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. If you can afford it, run your a/c as low as you want. 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 1-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.
Thermostat guide: What's the best temperature to set your thermostat in Florida?
'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.
Contributing: Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY Florida Network
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Florida summer: What's most popular a/c thermostat temperature? Vote
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