Every spring, seasonal homeowners across Palmetto, Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, and Sarasota begin preparing to head back north for the summer. And before locking the door and getting ready for your road trip or heading to the airport, one question almost always comes up:
“What temperature should I leave my thermostat set at while I’m gone?”
It might seem like a small detail, but the temperature you leave your thermostat set to can play a big role in protecting your Florida home while you're away for weeks or even months.
Let’s take a look at what HVAC professionals recommend.
The Ideal Thermostat Setting for an Empty Florida Home
If you're leaving your Florida home for an extended period of time, most HVAC professionals recommend setting your thermostat between:
78°F and 80°F
This range allows your air conditioning system to run just enough to:
Control indoor humidity
- Prevent mold and mildew growth
- Protect furniture, flooring, and cabinetry
- Reduce unnecessary strain on your HVAC system
Florida’s climate is very different from northern states, especially when it comes to humidity. Even when no one is home, your air conditioner still plays an important role in managing moisture inside the house.
Setting the thermostat too high — or turning the system off completely — can allow humidity to build up quickly inside the home.
Why Humidity Is the Real Challenge in Florida Homes
Many people assume the main purpose of air conditioning is simply to cool the house.
But here in Florida, humidity control is just as important as temperature control.
When humidity rises inside a closed home, it can lead to several problems over time, including:
- Musty odors
- Mold or mildew growth
- Warping of wood cabinets and flooring
- Damage to furniture and fabrics
By keeping your thermostat around 78–80°F, your AC system will occasionally cycle on and remove excess moisture from the air. This helps maintain a stable indoor environment even while you're away.
Should You Turn Your AC Off Before Leaving Florida?
The short answer is: No.
Turning your air conditioner off completely can allow indoor temperatures to rise well above 90°F, with humidity levels climbing even higher. In those conditions, mold and moisture damage can develop surprisingly quickly. Allowing your system to run occasionally at a higher temperature helps keep air circulating and prevents humidity from building up inside the home.
5 Smart HVAC Tips Before Snowbirds Leave for the Summer
In addition to setting your thermostat properly, there are a few simple steps homeowners in the Sarasota and Bradenton area should take before leaving for the season.
Change your air filter
A clean air filter helps your system run more efficiently and ensures proper airflow while you're away.
Close blinds and curtains
Blocking direct sunlight can reduce heat buildup inside the home and help your AC maintain stable indoor temperatures.
Consider installing a smart thermostat
Smart thermostats allow homeowners to monitor and adjust their home's temperature remotely from anywhere in the world you can control from your smartphone or tablet.
Schedule an AC maintenance visit
If you're leaving for several months, it’s a good idea to have a technician inspect the system beforehand to ensure everything is operating properly.
Have someone check the home occasionally
A neighbor, friend, or property manager can occasionally check in on the home to make sure everything looks normal.
Protect Your AC Drain Line While You're Away
Another important step many seasonal homeowners take before leaving Florida is making sure their AC drain line is clear and protected. As your air conditioner removes humidity from the air, the moisture drains through a small pipe called the condensate drain line. In Florida’s warm and humid climate, algae and buildup can sometimes clog this line. If the drain line becomes blocked, water can back up into the system and potentially cause leaks or shut down the air conditioner while you're away. Before leaving for the season, homeowners may want to consider:
Drain line treatment (sometimes called a “Drain IV”)
This treatment helps keep the drain line clear and reduces the chance of algae buildup during long absences.
Leak detection or float sensors
These safety devices can detect water in the drain pan and automatically shut off the system before water damage occurs.
Adding these simple protections can give homeowners extra peace of mind while their property sits empty during the Florida summer.
A Quick Tip From the Pros
Every home is a little different.
Factors like insulation, sun exposure, home layout, and system efficiency can all influence the ideal thermostat setting.
If you’re unsure what’s best for your home, a quick AC inspection before you leave can help ensure your system is ready for the months ahead.
At Anthony’s Cooling, Heating & Electrical, we believe in giving homeowners honest advice and dependable service.
As we like to say:
“You don’t need new until we say you do.”
Getting Your Home Ready Before Heading North?
If you're a seasonal homeowner in Palmetto, Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, or Sarasota, our team is happy to help make sure your system is ready for the Florida summer.
A quick maintenance check can ensure your AC runs efficiently while you're away and your home stays protected from heat and humidity.
Contact Anthony’s Cooling, Heating & Electrical today to schedule your seasonal AC check.