Millions across the United States are facing dangerous, record-smashing heat as we approach the Fourth of July weekend.
Heat advisories have been issued across Florida this week, and more are expected as we enter July.
The National Weather Service offices in the Sunshine State have repeatedly warned the heat index could reach as high as 112 in some areas and between 105 and 110 in others this week.
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Is it possible to be comfortable in your home without facing huge electric bills as temps soar outside?
In the battle over the thermostat, is there such a thing as too hot inside your home? Here’s what you should know.
How hot is too hot inside your home?
The Centers for Disease Control said indoor temperatures should never exceed 90 degrees when people are inside.
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“Setting your AC any higher — or allowing a home to heat up beyond this threshold — is dangerous.”
Others set the bar even lower.
“The absolute highest you should set your thermostat is around 82 degrees,” said Hansensupertechs.com.
Battle over thermostat. What’s the best temp?
“On average, most people are comfortable with the thermostat set around 70 to 75.
“However, some might prefer it as low as 68 or as high as 78,” according to hansensupertechs.com.
Remember, the lower the setting and the hotter it is outside, the harder your ac has to run and the more you’ll pay.
Do ceiling fans help keep things cool in your home?
If temperatures inside your home hit 90 degrees or higher, using a fan can actually increase your body temperature and increase the risk of severe heat-related illnesses, according to the CDC.
➤ Florida braces for ‘dangerous’ heat ahead of Fourth of July
If you do run your ceiling fan, make sure the blades are turning counterclockwise to move air down and generate a breeze you can feel.
Turn off ceiling fans when no one’s in the room, the U.S. Department of Energy advised.
So what should you set your thermostat at?
Many experts and energy companies suggest 78 degrees is a good thermostat setting.
➤ How to bring energy costs down in Florida heat and still stay cool
Bumping your thermostat setting up even one degree could save you 5% on cooling costs, according to FP&L.
Turn thermostat up, but not off, when you’re away or overnight to save money
You can save up to 10% on cooling bills by bumping the thermostat up by 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day, so try it while you are working or sleeping, according to the Department of Energy.
Don’t turn it off.
Your air conditioner needs to run often enough to remove humidity and prevent mold growth, Trane said.
When you’re out of the house for an extended period, FPL recommended setting your thermostat to 82 degrees with the fan on “auto.”
What if it’s over 100 outside? Should I change my thermostat setting?
On days when temps get over 100 degrees, a good temperature setting is 75 to 78 degrees, depending on your comfort level, according to econoair.com.
“If your system is sized properly for your home, it is designed to achieve a 30-degree temperature difference at 105 outside temperature. For example, 105 degrees outside, 75 degrees inside.”
4 things that prevent AC from working efficiently on 100-plus degree days
There are four things that could impact your air conditioner’s ability to keep you cool when temps soar above 100 degrees, according to cleartheairac.com.
Here’s what they are and what you can do about them:
Who faces highest risk for heat-related illnesses?
Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illnesses, some people face a greater risk, according to the CDC. That includes:
Heat stroke vs. heat exhaustion symptoms to watch for:
Heat exhaustion
Heatstroke
Weather alerts issued in Florida
How can you stay cool in extreme Florida heat?
Heat is one of the leading causes of weather-related deaths in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control, so it’s important to heed warnings when temps and the heat index climb.
Here are a few ideas to help you stay cool:
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What’s next?
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Contributor: C.A. Bridges, USA TODAY Network-Florida
Cheryl McCloud is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://tallahassee.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: How hot is too hot inside your home as we face dangerous heat?
Reporting by Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Tallahassee Democrat
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By Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida | USA TODAY Network
