How to Leave Your AC for the Summer Without Growing Mold
For Sarasota seasonal residents, the recommended temperature setting for an unoccupied home during the summer is 78 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with the humidistat set to 55 percent. Deactivating the air conditioning system entirely during the Florida summer results in rapid accumulation of heat and moisture, creating conditions highly conducive to mold and mildew proliferation within weeks.
Why You Can’t Just Turn It Off
Air conditioners do two things: they lower the temperature and remove humidity from the air. In a subtropical climate like Sarasota, humidity is actually the bigger threat to an empty house.
If indoor humidity levels rise above 60% for an extended period, mold spores can begin to colonize your drywall, furniture, and air ducts. Your AC must run periodically to remove that moisture from the indoor air, even when no one is home.
The Ideal Settings for an Empty Florida Home
To protect your home without wasting hundreds of dollars on cooling an empty space, follow this checklist before you leave:
The Thermostat
Set your cooling temperature to 78°F or 80°F. This is warm enough to save significantly on your FPL bill, but cool enough to prompt the system to run occasionally.
The Humidistat
If you have a humidistat, set it to 55% or 60%. This overrides the temperature setting and forces the AC to turn on, specifically if the indoor air gets too damp.
The Fan Setting
Ensure your thermostat fan is set to “Auto,” not “On.” If the fan runs constantly while the compressor is off, it will simply blow the moisture right back into the house.
The Ultimate Unoccupied Home Protection: UV Light
Even with the thermostat set to the perfect temperature, an empty house is still vulnerable to biological growth in the dark, damp AC air handler.
The absolute best way to protect your system and indoor air quality while you are out of state is to install an Ultra-Violet (UV) Air Purification Light. This professional-grade system sits inside your ductwork and shines continuously on the evaporator coils. It safely neutralizes airborne bacteria, viruses, and mold spores before they can circulate through your empty home.
Secure Your Home Before You Head North
For 40 years, D&D Air has been the trusted partner for Sarasota’s seasonal residents. If your system is aging and you are worried it might break down while you are thousands of miles away, now is the time to upgrade.
Right now, we are offering $2,500 in Instant Savings on high-efficiency, reliable Daikin systems, complete with a 12-Year Parts & Labor Warranty for total peace of mind. Best of all, we are currently including a FREE UV Air Sanitation Light with every installation—the perfect safeguard for your summer absence.
Don’t leave your home’s health to chance. Call D&D Air at (941) 297-0089 before you head north.
