What Temperature to Leave a Vacant House in Summer in Florida
It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity. Well, it’s also the heat. Florida summers are notorious for their storms and stickiness. So, if you're planning to leave your house vacant for an extended period, you might be wondering what temperature you should leave your home at to ensure it remains in good condition and hopefully damage-free. Since nobody’s there, the right temperature isn’t about comfort, it’s about preserving your home, saving energy, and preventing costly issues. Let’s break down the factors you need to consider when setting the thermostat for your empty Florida home.
1. Preventing Mold and Mildew Growth
Florida's summer humidity is no joke, and it’s one of the biggest threats to an empty home. High moisture levels can create the perfect environment for mold and mildew to really take hold. To minimize that risk, you should obviously try to keep your home at a temperature that discourages excessive humidity.
That ideal range is 78°F to 80°F (25-27°C for our international friends). This temperature helps to prevent the air from getting too sticky, which, in turn, reduces the chances of mold growth. If you're concerned about humidity, consider installing a dehumidifier or a humidity-controlled thermostat that automatically adjusts based on moisture levels in the air.
2. Energy Savings Without Overcooling
Leaving the thermostat at the low temperature you might keep it at while you’re home can lead to high energy bills. Cranking the AC isn’t necessary when no one is around to enjoy the benefits. A mid-range temperature, like 78°F, provides a balance between preventing damage and avoiding high energy costs.
3. Protecting Your HVAC System
Constantly running the air conditioning on a low setting when no one is home could cause unnecessary wear and tear and issues for your HVAC system if it's not maintained properly. On the other hand, leaving the AC completely off can lead to other problems with air circulation.
Setting the thermostat at or around 80°F ensures your HVAC system is still running at a low level without overburdening it. If you have a smart thermostat, you can adjust settings remotely, allowing you to make changes based on the weather or any issues that arise.
4. Avoiding Plumbing Problems
If the house is left to constantly get too hot, it can affect the pipes and increase the risk of plumbing failure, especially in the summer. Keeping your home cool enough helps to make sure that your pipes don’t cause any problems.
5. Consider Using a Smart Thermostat
One of the best investments for a vacant home is a smart thermostat. With these devices, you can control your home’s temperature remotely through an app on your phone. This is particularly useful for monitoring your home when you're away for extended periods. Some smart thermostats can also be programmed to adjust the temperature automatically based on your schedule or outside weather conditions, ensuring that your home stays at a safe temperature without excessive energy use.
6. Other Tips to Protect Your Vacant Home
Aside from adjusting your thermostat, here are some other precautions to take while leaving your Florida home vacant during the summer:
- Close curtains or blinds to block out direct sunlight and reduce the temperature inside.
- Double check all lights are off!
- Unplug electronics to avoid overheating and electrical problems.
- Install a security system or cameras to keep an eye on any issues that might arise while you’re away.
- Inspect the home before you leave to check for leaks, pests, or signs of mold.
All in All
In the humidity and heat of a South Florida summer, the key to maintaining a vacant home is finding the right balance. Setting your thermostat to 78°F-80°F is a good temperature for preventing humidity buildup and saving on your energy bill, protecting both your home and your wallet. A smart thermostat could help even more, but even if you have a good old fashioned thermostat, by setting the right temperature and following some basic precautions, you can help ensure that your home remains in good condition during these upcoming summer months if you’re heading north.
See you next season!
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