Optimal AC Settings in Jacksonville: Seasonal Changes, Cost Savings & Health Tips

Northeast Florida is known for its warm climate, hot and humid summers and mild winters. As an Orange Park or Jacksonville resident, getting your air conditioning temperature settings right is crucial for keeping your home comfortable, reducing energy costs, and ensuring a healthy living environment.

Our guide will help you understand the best practices for setting your AC temperature throughout the year, balancing comfort, cost-efficiency, and health benefits. Read on to learn everything you need to know or reach out to our Orange Park and Jacksonville HVAC experts with questions or to schedule service!

Call (904) 621-2953 Call (904) 621-2953

Jacksonville Year-Round Climate

Jacksonville experiences a subtropical climate characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. During the summer, temperatures often soar above 90°F (32°C), with high humidity levels adding to the discomfort. Winters, on the other hand, are mild, with temperatures averaging around 50°F (10°C) at night and 70°F (21°C) during the day. Spring and fall are transition seasons, offering moderate temperatures and lower humidity levels. Understanding these seasonal weather patterns is essential for setting your AC temperature optimally.

What’s the Optimal AC Temperature for Jacksonville Homes?

Finding the perfect AC temperature settings can greatly improve your comfort and energy savings. Let’s break down the ideal settings for different times of the day and year.

Daytime and Nighttime Settings

During the day, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F (26°C) when you are at home and need cooling. When you are away, increasing the temperature to 80°F can help save energy without causing the indoor environment to become excessively hot.

At night, a slightly lower temperature can help improve sleep quality. Setting your thermostat to around 74°F (23°C) is generally comfortable for most people. Using ceiling fans in conjunction with your AC can enhance cooling and allow you to set the thermostat a few degrees higher without sacrificing comfort.

Seasonal Changes

During Jacksonville’s hot and humid summers, maintaining the recommended 80 °F during the day and 76 at night can help keep your home comfortable while managing energy costs. Before summer, ensure your unit is ready with a routine check-up from Von’s, the experts in AC service in Jacksonville. Consider using programmable thermostats to adjust the temperature automatically based on your daily routine.

You can set your thermostat lower in winter since Jacksonville’s winters are mild. A setting of 68°F (20°C) during the day and 65°F (18°C) at night should be sufficient to keep your home warm without overusing your heating system. You can often rely less on your HVAC system during the more temperate spring and fall seasons. Open windows to allow natural ventilation when the weather is pleasant, and set your thermostat to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature of around 70°F (21°C).

Special Offer

$79 Tune-Up Special

Some Exclusions May Apply. Call For Details.

Cost-efficiency Tips

Every degree you adjust your thermostat setting can increase/reduce your energy bill by about 2%. Here are some strategies to help you achieve a balance:

• Using Programmable Thermostats: These handy devices can adjust the temperature based on your daily schedule, ensuring your HVAC system isn’t working harder than necessary when you’re not home.
• Setting Temperatures When Home vs. Away: Increase the temperature when you’re away to save energy.
• Energy-saving Practices: Ceiling fans can complement your AC by circulating air, allowing you to set the thermostat a few degrees higher. Additionally, ensure your home is well-insulated and seal any leaks around windows and doors to prevent cool air from escaping.
• Regular Maintenance: Schedule annual AC maintenance in Jacksonville with a professional to ensure your system is running smoothly. Clean or replace filters monthly to maintain proper airflow and improve efficiency.

Health Benefits of Proper AC Settings

Maintaining the right temperature in your home isn’t just about comfort; it’s crucial for your health. A consistent indoor temperature helps prevent respiratory issues and other health complications. Cooler temperatures at night, around 74°F (23°C), promote better sleep by aiding your body in regulating its internal temperature more effectively. High humidity levels in Jacksonville can worsen respiratory problems by encouraging mold and mildew growth. Keeping your home at the right temperature and using a dehumidifier if necessary can help maintain healthy indoor air quality. Balancing indoor humidity levels between 30-50% also prevents mold growth and controls dust mites, which thrive in moist environments.

Choose Von’s Heating & Air for All Your HVAC Needs

Ensure your Jacksonville home maintains the perfect climate with Von’s Heating and Air, a leader in air conditioning service in Jacksonville, Orange Park and Northeast Florida.

Since 1997, our family-owned company has been committed to providing top-quality HVAC services, from duct cleaning to seasonal servicing and full system installations. Our deep community roots and dedication to excellence guarantee personalized solutions tailored to your specific home comfort needs and budget.

You can trust us to handle your HVAC needs professionally with 24/7 live answering, a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and quality workmanship. Whether it’s residential or commercial services, choose Von’s Heating and Air, the number one AC service Jacksonville and Orange Park residents can rely on for reliable, effective HVAC solutions.

Call (904) 621-2953 Call (904) 621-2953

For a balance of comfort and cost-efficiency, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F (26°C) when at home and 85°F (29°C) when away during Florida’s warm months.
However, in Jacksonville’s hot summers, many homeowners prefer settings between 74-77°F for better comfort. Pairing your AC with ceiling fans can allow for a slightly higher setting without sacrificing cooling efficiency.
Recommended: 76-78°F (daytime, when home)
Energy-saving: 80-82°F (when away)
Comfort preference: 74-77°F

In Florida’s hot and humid climate, it’s recommended to service your AC system at least twice a year—once before summer and again before winter.
– Spring AC Tune-Up: Prepares your system for Jacksonville’s extreme summer heat.
– Fall Inspection: Ensures the system is clean and ready for mild winter use.
Regular maintenance improves efficiency, prevents unexpected failures, and keeps energy costs low.

72°F is a comfortable AC setting, but it may lead to higher energy bills in Florida’s climate. Keeping the AC at 72°F or lower forces the system to run constantly, increasing wear and tear and electricity costs.

For better efficiency, aim for 74-78°F while at home and use programmable thermostats to adjust cooling based on your daily routine. If you prefer cooler temperatures, a combination of ceiling fans and dehumidifiers can make a 76°F setting feel like 72°F.
72°F = Comfortable but high energy use
76°F + ceiling fan = Feels like 72°F with less energy use

Yes! Routine AC maintenance saves money in the long run by preventing breakdowns, improving efficiency, and extending the lifespan of your system.
Benefits of AC Servicing in Jacksonville:
Lower energy bills by improving system efficiency
Prevents costly repairs by detecting issues early
Extends AC lifespan, delaying expensive replacements
Enhances indoor air quality by cleaning filters and coils
Skipping maintenance can result in higher repair costs, poor cooling performance, and reduced indoor air quality.

For optimal sleep quality, experts recommend setting your thermostat between 68-74°F at night. Cooler temperatures help the body regulate its natural sleep cycle, improving rest and reducing humidity discomfort.
In Jacksonville, 74°F with a ceiling fan is a great option to stay cool while conserving energy. If you prefer a colder setting, 72°F is ideal for comfort, but anything below 70°F may increase energy costs unnecessarily.
Best sleep setting: 68-74°F
Comfort vs. efficiency: 72-74°F

The post Optimal AC Settings in Jacksonville: Seasonal Changes, Cost Savings & Health Tips appeared first on Von’s Heating and Air.