Thermostats and indoor air in Tampa
A thermostat only reports a number. Comfort depends on the settings, the filter and how long the system runs. We check those first.
- Settings checked first
- Honest about what helps
- Readings on every report
Cheapest first
Thermostat problems, in order of cost
Blank or wrong screen
Batteries first, then the switch and breaker at the air handler. Most of these are quick.
The fan setting
Auto lets the system dry the coil. On blows damp air from the coil back into the house. For most Florida homes Auto is the right choice.
Where it sits
A thermostat in the sun, over a lamp or beside a kitchen reads a number the rest of the house isn’t living.
A new thermostat
Worth it when the old one is failing or you want schedules. It will not fix a duct problem or a weak system.
Settings
Why the air feels sticky at a cool setting
Dehumidifying only happens while the coil is cold and wet. A system that is too big, or a fan stuck on On, can leave the air damp even when the thermostat shows 74. We measure how long the system runs and what the supply air is doing, and we tell you what we find before we suggest equipment.
Filters, humidity and air cleaners
The cheapest part of a cool house
Filters. A clean filter is the cheapest part of a cool house. How often to change it depends on the home, pets and the filter you use. We show you how to check yours and which size you have, and we will not sell you a filter that restricts your airflow.
Humidity. A cheap humidity gauge tells you more than a guess. Most guidance suggests keeping indoor humidity below about 60 percent. If it stays above that with the system running properly, there are options, and we explain what each one does and does not do. We don’t make health claims.
What we measure
Three readings, no guessing
Run time per cycle
Whether the system runs long enough to dry the air.
Supply and return temperature
The split, which also shows whether the coil is cold enough to dehumidify.
Indoor humidity
With a gauge, at the thermostat and in the room that feels worst.
Questions
Thermostat and indoor air questions
Should my fan be on Auto or On?
For most Florida homes, Auto. On keeps the fan running between cycles and can blow moisture off the coil back into the house.
Is a smart thermostat worth it?
If the schedule suits how you live, it can be. It won’t fix a failing system or a leaky duct.
How often should I change my filter?
It depends on the home, pets and the filter. Check it monthly in the hot season. If you can’t see light through it, change it.
Can you make my house less humid?
First we find out why it is. Sometimes it is settings, sometimes sizing, sometimes ducts. We tell you before we sell you anything.
More from Copperfield
Tampa · Hillsborough County
Get somebody out with gauges on the truck.
Tell us what it’s doing. We’ll say what to check first and whether it can wait, and if it can’t, the office will call you to agree a time.