Ask the Energy Expert

Myth busting: Leaving the A/C at the same temperature 24 hours a day

"I heard it's more efficient to keep my thermostat at the same temperature all the time rather than adjusting it. Is this true?"

This is one of the most persistent energy myths we hear from business owners – and it could be costing you serious money. The truth is what works for one business might not work for all businesses. But there are many things you can do to save energy and money by monitoring your A/C use and taking advantage of our programs.

What your business could do

The right A/C strategy depends on your business type and operating schedule:

• Develop an A/C strategy that works for your business by turning your thermostat up during unoccupied hours or focusing on cooling specific zones that need it most. Program your system to start cooling before employees arrive.
• Use programmable or smart thermostats with multiple daily setpoints. Set different temperatures for opening, peak hours and closing.
• Account for your space's thermal response time. Larger spaces need more lead time to reach comfortable temperatures before customers or employees arrive.
• Consider occupancy patterns. If your business is busiest from 6-9 p.m., you might run slightly warmer during slower afternoon hours, then cool down before the rush.
• Factor in equipment heat loads. Businesses with significant equipment (kitchens, server rooms, manufacturing) can often use less aggressive cooling when that equipment isn't running.

Save instantly with guaranteed bill credits

Here's where FPL's Business On Call program becomes your secret weapon. By enrolling in On Call, you get bill credits every month that help reduce your energy costs. You’ll receive these credits, regardless of whether we activate the program. When you join, you agree to let us occasionally turn off your A/C system(s), for short periods, only when necessary. Disruption is minimal, ensuring your comfort and productivity.

You will receive a credit on your electric bill for each of the seven months (April - October) the program is in effect. Your savings will amount to $2 per ton, per month over the seven months when your A/C is On Call. For example, if you have two five-ton A/C units, you will save a total of $140 per year.

The bottom line

Keeping your A/C at the same temperature 24/7 isn't efficient – it's expensive. Every degree of strategic setback during unoccupied hours translates to guaranteed savings on your energy bill.

Your customers and employees only experience the temperature when they're actually in your space. What happens to the temperature when nobody's there should be optimized for maximum savings.