Best A/C Setting for Snowbirds

Here is a copy of the question from a "snowbird" and the response from FPL to a question posed by some who wanted to know what FPL suggests as the best A/C settings for snowbirds. Keep in mind that Peace of Mind Homeminders check our client's Florida home weekly and as such make A/C setting adjustments whenever we feel a unit is too cool, too hot or too humid. Most important we ask our clients to monitor their monthly electric bill to check for any major changes is Kwh useage and to notify us if they feel it's either too high or too low.






What are the best A/C settings for snowbirds?

By Energy Expert

Asked on: February 18, 2014 by Scott F., Englewood

I have my thermostat/humidistat set to 80/60 while away up north. I watch my usage via my energy dashboard, but wondered if these are the best settings to save energy and prevent issues?
There are definitely ideal settings that can help you maximize your savings while you’re away from your winter home in Florida, while preventing moisture and other issues in your home. You’re off to a good start!
The right setting for manual thermostatsOur research found that setting a manual thermostat to 80 degrees for homes and 77 for condos typically provides enough dehumidification to prevent mold. Since you also have a humidistat to control humidity, you have the flexibility to set the temperature higher at 88 degrees, while setting your humidistat’s relative humidity, or RH, to 58 percent. This will help you save even more energy while still keeping the indoor humidity in a safe range.
Increased control with programmable thermostatsFor customers with programmable thermostats without humidity control (without a built-in humidistat), FPL recommends programming thermostats at 72 degrees for just two hours each morning before sunrise and at 88 degrees the rest of the time. This will prevent mold by removing moisture from the air during the cooler hours when RH is highest and your A/C runs most efficiently.
Even more efficiency and mold preventionThe most energy-efficient way to help prevent mold from developing in vacant homes is to use stand-alone dehumidifiers. Use one dehumidifier for every 1,000 square feet and set the controls to 58 percent RH. Locate them by a sink or shower so water from the drainage tube can go down the drain.
Other tips for your homeAs an additional precaution, we recommend having your A/C ductwork checked for leaks by requesting an FPL duct test. Check for air leaks around doors and windows, too.  Both are good ways to minimize the amount of moisture getting into your home.
We’re happy to hear that you are finding the Energy Dashboard helpful in monitoring your usage while you’re not in Florida. We highly recommend that customers log into their online account to view their own personal dashboard, especially while they are away, to watch for any unusual changes in energy usage which could indicate an equipment malfunction.
Visit www.FPL.com/seasonal for more energy-saving tips while away from your home.