Dialing in the best thermostat settings is one of the easiest ways to stay comfortable and keep your energy bills in check in Florida’s demanding climate. The right numbers change between our long, hot summers and our short, mild winters — and heat pumps add a twist. Here are the best thermostat settings for summer and winter from Subzero Cooling & Heating in Port St Lucie, based on more than 31 years on the Treasure Coast.
Best thermostat settings for summer
In summer, aim for 78°F when you’re home and awake. It’s the sweet spot ENERGY STAR recommends for balancing comfort and cost. When you’re away or asleep, nudge it up to 82–85°F to cut runtime. Each degree higher can trim a noticeable slice off your cooling bill over a Florida summer. Keep the fan on AUTO so it isn’t blowing warm, unconditioned air between cycles.
Best thermostat settings for winter
Florida winters are mild, so you won’t need much heat. Aim for 68°F when you’re home and lower it a few degrees when you’re away or sleeping. If you have a heat pump — which most Treasure Coast homes do — avoid large temperature setbacks. Heat pumps work most efficiently with small, steady adjustments; cranking the temperature way up can trigger inefficient backup heat strips.
Why the best thermostat settings save money
Your AC and heater are the biggest energy users in most Florida homes. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that setting your thermostat back 7–10°F for 8 hours a day can meaningfully lower your annual bill. Finding the best thermostat settings for your schedule — and sticking to them — is free money back in your pocket every month.
Get more from a programmable or smart thermostat
A programmable or smart thermostat makes the best thermostat settings automatic. Set schedules that ease the temperature up when you leave and bring it back to comfortable before you return, so you save without thinking about it. Many smart thermostats also learn your habits and show you exactly where your energy is going.
A few extra tips for Florida comfort
- Use ceiling fans — they let you set the thermostat a few degrees higher in summer while feeling just as cool.
- Mind the humidity — lower humidity feels cooler, so a well-maintained AC that dehumidifies lets you raise the setting.
- Don’t crank it down — setting 68°F when you walk in won’t cool the house any faster; it just runs the system longer.
- Keep up with maintenance — a tuned system holds your set temperature efficiently.
Recap: the best thermostat settings for Florida
The best thermostat settings come down to 78°F in summer and 68°F in winter when you’re home, with modest setbacks when you’re away. Pair those numbers with ceiling fans, good humidity control, and regular maintenance, and you’ll get year-round comfort at the lowest cost.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should I set my AC to in Florida summer?
78°F when you’re home is the recommended balance of comfort and savings, and 82–85°F when you’re away. Ceiling fans help the higher setting feel comfortable.
What’s the best winter thermostat setting for a heat pump?
Around 68°F when home, with only small setbacks. Big temperature jumps make a heat pump fall back on less-efficient electric heat strips.
Do smart thermostats really save money?
Yes — by automating setbacks when you’re asleep or away, they capture savings most people forget to set manually. The best thermostat settings only help if you actually use them, and smart thermostats make that effortless.
Comfort dialed in, in Port St Lucie
Want help getting the best thermostat settings — or a system that holds them efficiently? Call Subzero Cooling & Heating at (772) 344-3700, and explore our related services: AC Maintenance, AC Repair, and Heating Services.