What Should You Set Your AC to in Florida When Away From Home?
Last updated: August 4, 2025 • Reviewed by Greens Energy Services
Quick take: For Florida trips, keep indoor humidity under 60% RH per the EPA’s guidance on mold and moisture, use an away schedule rather than turning the AC off, and consider a smart thermostat for alerts and remote control. Questions? Call 407-917-3759.
It’s important to ensure your home remains cool and comfortable when needed. But it’s also crucial to balance comfort and optimal energy efficiency so you’re not overspending on monthly air conditioning expenses. One way to strike this balance is by ensuring you keep your AC set at the right temperature while you’re not at home.
The HVAC experts at Greens Energy Services can explain the ideal temperature that Florida families should keep their air conditioners set at while they’re away from home, as well as some helpful tips to preserve your indoor comfort all year long.
Considering a smart thermostat for your Orlando home? Call Greens Energy Services today at 407-917-3759 or contact us online for questions or to schedule an installation.
Ideal Home Temperature While on Vacation
Factors to Consider
- Length of your trip and time of day you leave
- Local climate and expected humidity
- Pets, plants, and heat-sensitive items in the home
The Florida Solar Energy Center generally suggests setting your air conditioner near 85°F for short, unoccupied periods; however, this may not suit every home.
Florida families are no strangers to heat and humidity, and high humidity can wreak havoc if you’re not careful. Aim to keep indoor humidity below 60% RH — a practical upper limit cited by both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Florida Department of Health.
For energy savings, the U.S. Department of Energy’s thermostat guidance suggests increasing your setpoint by about 7–10°F for at least eight hours when you’re away. The Florida Public Service Commission recommends cooling to roughly 78°F when occupied, then raising it a few degrees when you’ll be away for longer stretches.
Greens Energy’s Suggested Settings
- While away: Set to around 78°F to limit humidity and protect furnishings.
- When at home (day): Lower to about 74°F for comfort.
- Overnight: Reduce to about 70°F if preferred for sleep.
Suggested Settings at a Glance
| Scenario | Temp Target | Humidity Target | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Away (vacation) | ~78°F | <60% RH | Use an away schedule; fan on AUTO; interior doors open for airflow. |
| Home (day) | ~74°F | <60% RH | Use ceiling fans and close blinds on sun-exposed windows. |
| Overnight | ~70°F | <60% RH | Adjust for comfort; a programmable or smart thermostat helps. |
At the end of the day, your comfort is what matters most. At Greens Energy, we recommend keeping your air conditioner set at 78 degrees F while you’re away, lowering it to 74 when at home, and once again to 70 overnight.
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Don’t Shut Off Your Air Conditioner Completely
Turning the system off can let indoor humidity climb, increasing the chances of condensation and mold. Keeping humidity under 60% RH aligns with the EPA’s mold and moisture guide and the Florida Department of Health’s indoor air recommendations.
Leaving the AC on an away schedule is also more energy-efficient than shutting it off and then forcing it to “catch up” after you return.
Consider Installing a Smart Thermostat
Installing a smart thermostat is one of the best ways to balance comfort, humidity control, and efficiency. You can set vacation holds, receive alerts, and adjust temperatures remotely. The DOE’s thermostat tips highlight how automated setbacks of about 7–10°F can trim cooling energy over time.
If humidity tends to run high, consider pairing your system with a whole-home dehumidifier.
Schedule smart thermostat installation with our team in Orlando by calling 407-917-3759.
Trust Greens Energy To Keep Your Home Comfortable
Planning a vacation away from your Florida home and need a way to monitor your home comfort while you’re gone? Trust the team at Greens Energy to install your smart thermostat solution for improved comfort and ongoing energy savings. Offering a broad selection of top-quality products from the industry’s most trusted manufacturers, our team delivers the energy-efficient solutions you need to preserve your home comfort while maximizing energy savings.
Care of Your Comfort Needs Today!
Florida AC Vacation FAQs
Is it okay to turn my AC off while I’m away?
No. Turning it off can allow humidity to climb and increase mold risk. Keeping indoor humidity below 60% RH follows the EPA’s recommendation.
What humidity level should I target?
Aim to stay under 60% RH; this upper limit is echoed by both the EPA’s mold course and the Florida Department of Health.
Do smart thermostats really help on vacation?
Yes. They enable remote adjustments, alerts, and schedules. The DOE notes that automated setbacks of about 7–10°F for eight hours can reduce cooling energy usage.
