Quick Answer
Many Florida homeowners pay more for air conditioning than they need to. The biggest savings usually come from a few simple habits: keep the thermostat around 78°F when you are home, raise it when you are away, change your air filter regularly, block afternoon sun, seal leaks around doors and windows, and keep your system maintained. If your bills are still high after that, the system itself may be the problem.
Air conditioning in Florida is a necessity. Unless you enjoy living the way Floridians did a hundred years ago, you want the air inside your home to be cool, dry, and clean. But needing AC does not mean you should be paying an arm and a leg for it. Here are practical ways to get the most cooling for the least money.
Set Your Thermostat Smarter
Every degree counts. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends about 78°F when you are home and awake in summer. Raising the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees while you are at work or asleep can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling costs.
A smart or programmable thermostat makes this automatic. You can set it to raise the temperature when nobody is home and cool the house back down before you return, so you never come home to a hot house.
Put Your Thermostat in the Right Spot
Where your thermostat sits matters as much as how smart it is. A thermostat next to a door, in direct sunlight, or near a lamp or TV reads warmer than the rest of the house, so the AC runs longer than it needs to. The best spot is an interior wall in a central room, away from windows, doors, and heat sources.
Use Ceiling Fans the Right Way
Ceiling fans do not cool the air, but they make you feel cooler. The breeze can let you raise the thermostat by about 4 degrees without feeling a difference. In summer, set fans to spin counterclockwise so they push air down. Turn them off when you leave the room, because fans cool people, not rooms.
Find and Seal Air Leaks
Start with the obvious. Remember your parents saying “Close the door, I am not paying to cool the outside”? They were right. Cool air escaping through open doors and windows is money out the door, and hot, humid air coming in makes your system work even harder.
Then look for less obvious leaks:
- Gaps around doors and windows that need weatherstripping or caulk
- Attic hatches and pull-down stairs without a seal
- Leaky ductwork, especially ducts in a hot attic
- Thin or missing attic insulation
In Florida, the attic is a big one. Learn more about how your attic works against your AC.
Block the Afternoon Sun
Sun pouring through west- and south-facing windows heats your home fast. Close blinds and curtains during the hottest part of the day. With blinds, tilt the slats so they angle up toward the outside, which reflects sunlight back out. Window film or solar screens can make an even bigger difference on windows that get direct afternoon sun.
Change Your Air Filter Regularly
A dirty filter restricts airflow, so your system runs longer to cool the house. The Department of Energy estimates that replacing a dirty filter can lower an air conditioner’s energy use by 5% to 15%. In Florida, where systems run most of the year, check your filter monthly and replace it every one to three months. Not sure which filter to buy? See our guide to whether high-end filters help or hurt your AC.
Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear
Your outdoor unit needs room to release heat. Trim plants and shrubs back at least two feet, keep grass clippings and leaves off the unit, and do not store anything against it. A dirty condenser coil makes the system work harder. Here is how cleaning your outdoor condenser can lower energy use.
Do Not Skip Maintenance
Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to save money long term. A tune-up keeps coils clean, refrigerant levels correct, and electrical parts in good shape, so your system runs efficiently. It also catches small problems before they grow into costly repairs. A maintenance plan makes it easy to stay on schedule.
When the Problem Is the System Itself
If you have done everything above and your bills are still high, your equipment may be the issue. Common signs include a system that runs constantly, rooms that never get comfortable, or bills that rise year after year without a change in your habits. An older, low-efficiency system can cost far more to run than a modern one. If your system is more than 10 to 15 years old, it may be time to look at whether to repair or replace it.
Lower Your Cooling Costs With Poulin Cooling
Poulin Cooling offers maintenance, AC repair, and high-efficiency system replacement throughout Clearwater and Pinellas County. Our technicians know what to look for and will help you keep your home cool without overpaying. Call Poulin Cooling at 727-252-9602 to schedule service.
FAQ
What temperature should I set my AC to in Florida to save money?
About 78°F when you are home is a good balance of comfort and savings. Raise it several degrees when you are away or asleep to save more.
Does turning the AC off when I leave save money?
Raising the temperature is usually better than turning the system off completely in Florida. If the house gets too hot and humid, the system has to work very hard to bring it back down. Setting it a few degrees higher saves energy and keeps humidity in check.
How often should I change my AC filter in Florida?
Check it monthly and replace it every one to three months. Homes with pets, allergies, or heavy use may need more frequent changes.
Why is my electric bill so high in summer?
Long run times, a dirty filter, air leaks, afternoon sun, and an aging or poorly maintained system are the most common causes. If you have addressed the basics, have a technician check the system.