Best Thermostat Settings for a South Florida Home

In South Florida, your AC runs most of the year, so your thermostat settings have a real effect on your electric bill. Here’s a simple guide to staying comfortable without overpaying — and why humidity matters just as much as the number on the screen.

When you’re home: around 78°F

The U.S. Department of Energy and ENERGY STAR suggest about 78°F when you’re home and awake during cooling season. Many families are comfortable a little cooler, and that’s fine — but every degree lower adds runtime. Ceiling fans help a lot: they let you feel a few degrees cooler without changing the thermostat. Just turn them off when you leave the room, since fans cool people, not rooms.

When you’re away: raise it, but not too far

Raising the thermostat while you’re at work saves energy. The Department of Energy estimates you can save up to about 10% a year on heating and cooling by adjusting the thermostat 7–10 degrees for 8 hours a day. In our climate, though, we suggest keeping it no higher than about 82–85°F so humidity doesn’t build up inside.

While you sleep

Most people sleep better a bit cooler. If you like it cool at night, try raising the temperature during the day to make up for it. A programmable or smart thermostat makes this automatic.

On vacation

Don’t turn the AC off completely. In a closed-up Florida home, humidity can climb quickly, leading to musty smells and mold growth. Setting the thermostat around 82–85°F keeps humidity in check while still saving energy.

Humidity matters as much as temperature

The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity below 60%, ideally between 30% and 50%. A home at 76°F with high humidity feels worse than one at 78°F with dry air. If your house feels clammy even when the thermostat says it’s cool, your system may be oversized, low on refrigerant or overdue for service — see our guide on choosing the right size AC.

Leave the fan on “Auto”

Setting the fan to “On” runs the blower nonstop, which can push moisture from the wet coil back into the house. In humid climates, “Auto” usually gives better humidity control and uses less electricity.

Is a smart thermostat worth it?

For most homes, yes. A smart or programmable thermostat adjusts automatically when you leave or go to sleep, and many show humidity and energy use.

Not sure your system is keeping up? Schedule a tune-up with Bentley HVAC, or ask about a new, high-efficiency system.