You can’t change the weather, but you CAN control your thermostat settings.
At Frank Gay Services, we know your thermostat is more than just a wall decoration with buttons — it’s the command center for your comfort. And as the seasons change, the demands on your HVAC system change too. Mastering the art of thermostat settings isn’t just about dialing down your bills; it’s about ensuring optimal comfort and efficiency.
But knowing what to set it to (and whether you should keep it on “Auto” or “On”) can be a little confusing. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered — season by season.
Spring: The Season of “Just Right”
Spring in Florida is like the sweet spot between “I can’t feel my face” and “I’m melting.” You can usually keep things comfortable without pushing your air conditioner to the limit.
For most households, 72–74°F during the day keeps everyone happy without skyrocketing your energy bill. At night, you can bump it up a degree or two since cooler outdoor temps will help.
Tip: Open the windows when you can — but remember, pollen and humidity are Florida’s way of saying “Nice try.”
Summer: The Battle Against the Sun
Ah, summer — also known as “Why did I wear jeans today?” season. Here, your air conditioner becomes the MVP of your home.
We recommend setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and a few degrees higher when you’re away. It may sound warm, but your air conditioning system will thank you, and so will your power bill. Want extra comfort? Use ceiling fans to circulate the air (and make it feel 3–4 degrees cooler).
And yes, we know the temptation to set it to 68°F is real… but that’s basically asking your system to run a marathon in August. Pace it.
Fall: Florida’s “Surprise” Season
Fall is tricky. One day it’s 85°F, and the next you’re debating pulling out a sweater. The good news is your AC gets a break, and your energy bill might too.
Aim for 74–76°F during the day and adjust based on humidity levels. Some extra chilly mornings might call for switching to heat — and that’s okay. Just try not to toggle between heating and cooling too much in a single day. Your system prefers a little stability (and so does your wallet).
Winter: Mild, but Still Worth Planning For
Florida winters may not bring snow, but they can still be surprisingly chilly here in Central Florida. Set your thermostat to 68°F when you’re home and awake. At night, or when you’re out, you can drop it to around 65°F to save on heating costs.
And no, cranking it to 80°F when it’s 50°F outside won’t heat your home faster — it’ll just make your system work harder for longer.
Auto vs. On: Which Should You Choose?
Let’s settle this once and for all.
- Auto: Your fan only runs when your AC or heat is actively working. This saves energy and keeps humidity under control.
- On: Your fan runs 24/7, circulating air constantly. This can help with even temperatures, but it’ll cost more in electricity and may increase humidity.
For most homes (especially in humid Florida), Auto is the winner. It’s more efficient and keeps your indoor air feeling fresher. But if you’re hosting guests or want extra circulation, flipping to “On” for a few hours won’t hurt.
Read More > Is It Bad to Run the AC All Day?
Smart Thermostats: Are They Worth It?
Keeping your home at the “ahhh, that’s better” temperature can feel like a full-time job. Between the humidity, surprise thunderstorms, and sudden weather shifts, you could spend half your day adjusting the thermostat. Or… you could let a smart thermostat do the work for you.
These gadgets aren’t just flashy tech for show — they’re like having a personal HVAC assistant. With a smart thermostat, you can adjust your home’s temperature right from your phone. Stuck at the grocery store when a storm rolls in? No problem. A quick tap, and your living room will be nice and cool (or cozy) by the time you walk in the door.
One of the best perks? Smart thermostats learn your habits. Over time, they figure out when you’re home, when you’re out, and what temperatures you like. They’ll start adjusting automatically to keep you comfortable while saving energy — especially handy during our endless summers when your AC is working overtime.
Some models even use geofencing, which is a fancy way of saying your thermostat knows when you’ve left the house and when you’re on your way back. That means it won’t waste energy cooling an empty living room, but it’ll still greet you with perfectly chilled air when you walk in.
Comfort, Efficiency, and a Happy HVAC
The perfect thermostat setting isn’t just about comfort — it’s about keeping your HVAC system healthy and your energy bills reasonable. And if your system isn’t keeping up, the pros at Frank Gay Services are just a call away. After all, your comfort is our business — and we’ve been in the business long enough to know that “cool” isn’t just a temperature, it’s a way of life.
Call us today to experience The Frank Gay Way!