Tampa is one of those cities with brutally hot and humid summers, which makes having a solid HVAC system all the more important to get through the season. But many homeowners unknowingly misuse their thermostat and set the wrong Tampa thermostat settings, either racking up a higher energy bill than they need or causing wear and tear to their systems.
For the top HVAC tips for Tampa residents, check out the following most common thermostat mistakes by Tampa homeowners.
1. Setting the Thermostat Too Low
Remember, thermostats are switches, not throttles. All they do is tell your AC when to turn on and off based on how cool you want it to be, so if you want to save energy on your AC and fix overcooling problems, stop doing this!
Air conditioners are designed to cool the air at a constant rate, which means it works the same whether you set it to 65 or 75. Lowering the temperature only makes it run longer, causing strain and wear. For the best thermostat setting in Tampa, try 7 to 78 degrees when you’re at home and 82 degrees when you’re away.
2. Constantly Adjusting the Temperature
You can adjust your smart thermostat in Tampa all you’d like, but rapid changes can confuse the system and even cause short cycling. Again, this increases wear and tear, reduces energy efficiency, and ultimately leads to inconsistent comfort and higher energy bills.
Here’s a more detailed explanation about short cycling your AC:
- Frequently adjusting the thermostat makes the AC work harder
- Constant starting and stopping can lead to premature breakdowns and repairs
- Like driving a car, constantly accelerating and braking wears then components down
To solve this problem, it’s a good idea to get a programmable or smart thermostat for consistent airflow and comfort. From there, you can follow the same adjusting thermostat tips that are meant to save you money.
3. Ignoring Humidity Settings (Or Not Using One)
Remember, Tampa’s summers are brutally hot, and the humidity makes it feel even hotter. But many homeowners don’t realize that their thermostats allow for humidity control beyond blasting the cooling setting.
If your air conditioner has to run heavy, then a humidity control thermostat is a must-have. Smart thermostat humidity improves both comfort and health, making the room feel cooler without interfering with the body’s natural ability to cool down through sweat evaporation.
In fact, Tampa AC humidity is especially important to avoid mold and wood damage that arise from condensation issues; it will also stop the musty odors that come from mold growth.
4. Placing the Thermostat in the Wrong Spot
Once again, inconsistent temperature and increased energy consumption continue to be a threat. This time, it comes in the form of thermostat placement in Tampa.
Here, some homeowners accidentally put their thermostat near an air vent, direct sunlight, by a drafty window, or in the kitchen, but all of these locations can actually skew readings. The wrong temp AC overworks based on the misinformation it has, and now we’re worried about wear and tear again.
For the best results and to fix your thermostat reading, put it in a central, shaded area that is far away from vents or other appliances.
5. Leaving the Fan Set to “On” Instead of “Auto”
The “on” thermostat fan setting makes your AC run 24/7, blowing warm air and perpetuating the cycle, whereas “auto” improves efficiency. As a bonus, make sure you clean the AC filters monthly to help airflow.
6. Not Calibrating or Checking the Thermostat
Heat, humidity, dust, and time all throw a thermostat’s readings off by a few degrees, and that can make a huge difference in terms of your home’s energy levels. Be sure to take thermostat calibration seriously to eliminate unexpected thermostat problems in Tampa.
7. Skipping Thermostat Upgrades
Many Tampa homes still use outdated analog models when upgrading to a smart thermostat in Tampa would help with savings, scheduling, and humidity balance. To get started, look at wi-fi models that offer local weather syncing.
Stay Cool the Smart Way with One Hour
One Hour serves the greater Tampa and surrounding areas, offering thermostat calibration, installation, and upgrade services.
Our experts have years of local Tampa HVAC experience and are prepared to help with any problem you may have. We’re always on time, or you don’t pay a dime!
FAQs
What should I set my thermostat to in Tampa summer?
As a general rule of thumb, it’s recommended to set your AC to 75 to 78 when you’re at home and 82 when you’re away. This prevents the AC from overworking while still consistently reaching its intended comfort level.
Does setting the thermostat lower cool faster?
No! This is actually a myth. ACs are designed to cool temperature consistently, so a lower temperature simply means that it will run for longer periods at a time and re-activate sooner. That may mean a cooler temperature and higher energy bills than intended.
Where should a thermostat be placed in a Florida home?
Ideally, the thermostat should be in an interior wall, in a shaded area far away from vents and other appliances. Each of the latter options can interfere with the accuracy of temperature readings. Avoid the kitchen as well for the same reason.
How does humidity affect my AC in Tampa?
Humidity makes heat and Tampa summers feel much worse, even if the temperature isn’t as high as you might expect. To combat this, a smart thermostat with humidity control can make your life much easier and more comfortable.
Are smart thermostats worth it in Florida?
Yes! No matter where in the Sunshine State you are, a smart thermostat stops your AC from burning itself out and leaving you helpless in the dead of summer. They’ll also keep your energy bills well at bay.