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Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
It's hot out there: Heat wave to bring weekend temps in 90s for parts of Palm Beach County
The official start of summer may be more than a month away, but South Florida won't have to wait that long to experience scorching temperatures. An early-season heat wave moving across the South is forecast to bring record daily temperatures to parts of Florida and nearby states in the days leading up to the Memorial Day weekend. The National Weather Service in Miami predicted a high near 94 degrees for interior regions of Palm Beach County on May 16, with highs along the coast reaching into the mid 80s. The warming trend is forecast to continue through early next week, as daily high temperatures climb to the mid to upper 90s across southwest Florida, where heat indices could reach 103-105 degrees each afternoon. The heat index combines the air temperature with the relative humidity and defines how outdoor temperatures feel to the human body. Along coastal areas, sea breezes will help to temper conditions during the daytime, keeping highs in the upper 80s and lower 90s, the National Weather Service said. Overnight lows are forecast to stay in the mid-70s. The chances of rain are low across Palm Beach County at least until May 21 and will increase as Memorial Day draws nearer on May 26. The heat wave could bring moderate to major heat risks to some areas of the South, forecasters say. "The greatest risks will be across the southern tier from East and South Texas, eastward along the Gulf Coast, into the Southeast and Florida," the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Maryland wrote. "Across these regions, there will be potential for both record high afternoon temperatures Friday and Saturday and record high morning temperatures Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings." For many, the warmer temperatures will mean spending more time indoors in air conditioning. Lowering the temperature on the thermostat will likely mean cooler homes, but more expensive electric bills. Florida Power and Light spokesperson Katarina Alvarez said a one-degree increase in thermostats could save between 3% to 5% on cooling costs. The less the air conditioner has to work, the lower your bill. For a long time, 78 degrees has been the number recommended for thermostat settings. But 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, does not 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. Homeowners are encouraged to set temperature settings based on what is comfortable to the others in the household, the health conditions of people in the house, how well the home is insulated, what other cooling methods are in use — and how much the owner is willing to pay for the electric bill. In the Florida summer, opening windows day or night could mean letting in heat. Temperatures don't drop much in the overnight and letting the place heat up means an air conditioner will have to start from scratch in the morning. Other steps you can take include: Use a programmable thermostat and set the indoor temperature higher when you are away from home. Use fans to circulate the air when you are in a room. Turn them off when you leave. Change your air conditioner's filter regularly. Close curtains and blinds to keep direct sunlight out of your home. Replace old insulation and weather stripping. Staff writer C.A. Bridges contributed to this story. Julius Whigham II is a criminal justice and public safety reporter for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jwhigham@ and follow him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @JuliusWhigham. Help support our work: Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: South Florida braces for high temperatures amid weekend heat wave
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
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
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Florida high heat index: What's the best temperature to set your air conditioner thermostat?
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
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
It's hot again! What's the best temperature to set your thermostat in Florida?
As we rapidly approach the summer season, more and more Floridians are asking the inevitable question: what temperature should I set my thermostat on? 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. Floridians will remember the summer last year when the state suffered from the warmest (meteorological) summer on record. Florida also saw its second-warmest August on record in 2024. So what temperature should you set your air conditioner on? 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 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. Turning it down 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." 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. ENERGY STAR recommends once a year, in the spring, but Floridians might want to go twice, especially if you live near the coast. 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 getting it fixed. 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. If you have an outdoor drain, keep it clear and unclogged. Can't see the poll? Follow the link to vote. WalletHub released a study last summer ranking all 50 states by how much they pay for energy sources, which surprisingly revealed that Floridians are saving more than most states regarding year-round energy costs — despite consistently being one of the hottest states each summer. Here are WalletHub's top 10 states where the cost of energy consumption is the lowest: New Mexico Arizona Kansas Texas Nebraska Mississippi Florida Colorado Louisiana California According to WalletHub's study, Wyoming is the state where energy bills cost the most each year. Residents' average monthly energy bill hits a whopping $1,591 during winter months. Here are WalletHub's top 10 states where the cost of energy consumption is the highest: Wyoming North Dakota Iowa Montana Minnesota Massachusetts Connecticut Alaska South Dakota Virginia Contributing: Lianna Norman and Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY Florida Network This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Florida summer 2025: For hot weather, keep your a/c to these settings
