As we rapidly approach the summer season, more and more Floridians are asking the inevitable question: what temperature should I set my thermostat on ?

According to Old Farmer's Almanac, NOAA and AccuWeather forecasters , Florida is set to face another record-breaking hot summer.

Most of the U.S., including Florida, is expected to be hot and dry this summer. The forecast is for meteorological summer, which is June, July and August. South Florida, though, could see cooler, rainy conditions.

"It's going to be a scorcher of a summer ," according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.

Floridians will remember the summer last year when the state suffered from the warmest (meteorological) summer on record. Florida also saw its second-warmest August on record in 2024.

What temperature should I set my A/C on in a Florida summer?

The first and last ones are the most important. If you can afford it, run your a/c as low as you want. Be prepared for considerably higher bills and likely more air conditioner maintenance and repairs, although Florida Power & Light has been lowering rates lately .

FPL spokesperson Katarina Alvarez said a one-degree increase in thermostats could save between 3-5% on cooling costs. The less your a/c has to work, the lower your bill.

So set your thermostat to the highest temperature you can remain comfortable in and can afford, and look for other ways to cool off your place.

But I always heard 78 degrees was best. Should I set my temperature to 78 degrees?

For a long time, 78 degrees has been the number everyone drops in their "stay cool" guides. Which is fine for some people, and for lizards.

When the media and electric utility companies promote 78 degrees they often refer to ENERGY STAR , a program run by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that has become synonymous with energy-efficient appliances. But ENERGY STAR doesn't recommend any specific temperature.

“ENERGY STAR does not assert that any particular temperature setting is good for households,” the EPA said in an email to The Palm Beach Post.

Should I turn my air conditioner off if I leave for work or vacation?

Turning it down a bit while you're gone can save you money, but unless you'll be gone for a week or more the work your a/c will have to do to bring the temp back down to liveable when you get home may not be worth what you save by turning it off.

Air conditioning also helps reduce humidity in your house, and that helps keep mold and mildew in check. There are also your pets to consider. Your dogs and cats don't like the heat any more than you do , and they have fewer ways to cool off.

When you're out of the house for an extended amount of time, FPL recommends setting your thermostat to 85 degrees with the fan on "auto."

How can I keep the bills under control while running my A/C nonstop?

Even if you're running your A/C nonstop, there are plenty of ways to give your air conditioner less to do.

How often should I get my air conditioner maintained?

ENERGY STAR recommends once a year , in the spring, but Floridians might want to go twice, especially if you live near the coast.

Your a/c needs to be repaired if it stops working (obviously), makes loud noises while running, or can't keep your house cooled to at least 78 degrees. But it might need to be replaced if it's over 10-15 years old, your energy bills have skyrocketed and you keep getting it fixed.

What can I do to maintain my air conditioner?

What is the best temperature to set your A/C to? Vote in poll

Can't see the poll? Follow the link to vote .

Which state has the most expensive utilities? Florida may surprise you

WalletHub released a study last summer ranking all 50 states by how much they pay for energy sources, which surprisingly revealed that Floridians are saving more than most states regarding year-round energy costs — despite consistently being one of the hottest states each summer.

According to WalletHub’s study, Wyoming is the state where energy bills cost the most each year. Residents’ average monthly energy bill hits a whopping $1,591 during winter months.