Guaranteed Temperature Reduction indoor during summer.

[marvinh11791]

I am not a resident yet, but I was wondering if A/C contractors in TV will guarantee a 20 temperature reduction during a hot summer day? I am presently living on Long Island, NY and that clause was written into my A/C contract.
Second question: What indoor temperature do you prefer in the summer?
Thank you! MarvinH

[dewilson58]

Should go to the source and ask contractors.

The word of posters on a social media site is of zero value.

:ho:

[Gpsma]

Dont know if there is any guarantee. We keep the temp at 72 during the summer and, even when the outside temp is over 90, it maintains the 72 degrees

[retiredguy123]

I have never heard of an AC contractor ever making that type of guarantee anywhere. How would you enforce the guarantee?

[LuvtheVillages]

We set an indoor temp of 76.

I find that the humidity setting is also important. We set the humidistat at 50%.
Many thermostats also include the humidity setting.

[Dusty_Star]

I am not a resident yet, but I was wondering if A/C contractors in TV will guarantee a 20 temperature reduction during a hot summer day? I am presently living on Long Island, NY and that clause was written into my A/C contract.
Second question: What indoor temperature do you prefer in the summer?
Thank you! MarvinH

I wouldn't worry if I were you. The whole house AC units are very efficient & mine kept my house wherever I set it regardless of the outside temperature.

[Keefelane66]

I am not a resident yet, but I was wondering if A/C contractors in TV will guarantee a 20 temperature reduction during a hot summer day? I am presently living on Long Island, NY and that clause was written into my A/C contract.
Second question: What indoor temperature do you prefer in the summer?
Thank you! MarvinH
I don’t think the developer would include that in your contract.
Most air conditioning systems can only handle a 20-degree difference between the outside and inside air temperatures

[villagetinker]

When the house is designed there is a document supplied with the plans that covers the heat and AC load so that the HVAC system is sized correctly, I expect this would be the governing document. On a side note, we have been here over 10 years in a concrete block house, and have never had a problem with heating or cooling.

[Teed_Off]

Check your contract to see if the guarantee is for a 20 degree F difference between the indoor set temperature and the leaving air temperature from the furnace. My heat pump generally achieves 20 degrees F when I run either air conditioning or heating.

I keep my thermostat at 77 degrees in the summer, 68 in the winter, and have the windows open in spring and fall.

[Toymeister]

The minimum AC sizing standard is the ability to cool a home to 78 to the 95th percentile of days that require cooling.

Now there are plenty of years where the 95th percentile does not apply. Also AC units are not precise in size. For example, it could be that your home requires a 3.15 ton unit. The closest size that will work is 3.5 tons, an increase of over 11% in cooling capacity.

[BrianL99]

I am not a resident yet, but I was wondering if A/C contractors in TV will guarantee a 20 temperature reduction during a hot summer day? I am presently living on Long Island, NY and that clause was written into my A/C contract.
Second question: What indoor temperature do you prefer in the summer?
Thank you! MarvinH

I'm guessing you own an older home?

Newly constructed homes are required to meet the Florida Building Code, which is the International Building Code (IBC 2021), with some modifications. New construction is also required to meet the Florida Energy Code, which again, is the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC 2021).

What that means in simple English is, prior to getting a building permit (including an HVAC replacement), the applicant has to produce an energy audit/analysis to verify proper HVAC sizing for a given structure. The Code dictates the size (capacity) of the HVAC system.

HVAC systems installed in the USA, generally have to meet Energy Conservation Codes, which essentially dictates the cooling/heating capacity and rate.

As a practical matter, any HVAC system installed in a home in the USA, will surely lower your temperature more than 20 degrees. The only variable, is how long it takes (& that's regulated by the energy code). As a rule of thumb, an HVAC system can move temperature up or down, about 3 degrees per hour.

A residential house temperature is personal preference. In a work environment, OSHA requires a temperature of 68 -76. We cool our offices/retail properties to 74 degrees in the summer (not located in Florida). My house is set at 76.

Here's a couple of links that explain how it works and why you don't want an HVAC unit that's too big for your home, nor too small. Weird, huh? You should get a properly sized unit.

Oversized Air Conditioner: What's the Problem? (https://www.oasiscooling.com/blog/why-an-oversized-air-conditioner-is-a-serious-problem/)

https://bryantlincoln.com/understand...r-hvac-system/

What Happens If My Ac Unit Is Oversized? (https://smartacsolutions.com/what-happens-if-my-ac-unit-is-oversized/)

[BrianL99]

...

[BrianL99]

When the house is designed there is a document supplied with the plans that covers the heat and AC load so that the HVAC system is sized correctly, I expect this would be the governing document. On a side note, we have been here over 10 years in a concrete block house, and have never had a problem with heating or cooling.

Sorry, I didn't read all of your post, when I posted my answer.

Mr VIllageTinker is correct. Florida law requires that you're supplied with the Energy Audit/Analysis when you buy a new home.

[CarlR33]

[QUOTE=BrianL99;2307708]
In a work environment, OSHA requires a temperature of 68 -76.
Please provide the link to that reference?

[Topspinmo]

I set my 77 most or time. If I go too much lower my lung’s congest makes harder to breath.

[Papa_lecki]

I am presently living on Long Island, NY and that clause was written into my A/C contract.

What was the remedy if the system did not cool by 20 degrees? A new system or maintenance?

[MandoMan]

I am not a resident yet, but I was wondering if A/C contractors in TV will guarantee a 20 temperature reduction during a hot summer day? I am presently living on Long Island, NY and that clause was written into my A/C contract.
Second question: What indoor temperature do you prefer in the summer?
Thank you! MarvinH

I’m not aware of that in a contract. I had a new higher efficiency heat pump installed in my 11 year old courtyard villa. It’s very quiet. I keep it at 71° 24/7 all year around. My electric bills vary from about $60 to $100. That’s around two or three dollars a day to live in comfort, even when it’s very hot and humid out or below freezing.

[bowlingal]

Marvin, I would also be concerned if you buy a house with an enclosed lanai facing west. Talk about HOT!!

[BrianL99]

[QUOTE=BrianL99;2307708]
In a work environment, OSHA requires a temperature of 68 -76.
Please provide the link to that reference?

I should have used the word "recommended", not "required".

OSHA's Indoor Temperature and Humidity Regulations and Standards (https://www.hseblog.com/oshas-recommendation-for-temperatures-and-humidity-in-the-workplace/)

[Maker]

The units are heat pumps, not a simple air conditioner. Responsible to cool in the summer, and heat in the winter.
When it is mid 30's outside, it has no trouble keeping my house 40 degrees warmer without powering up the aux heating element.
When it's 100 outside, no trouble keeping my house 30 degrees cooler.
The unit is no where near running 100% of the time, so plenty of available capacity left.

A big factor is the home construction. Newer houses are built with better insulation and better insulated windows. Much less heat transfer in modern builds.

[rjn5656]

We keep our indoor at 74 for a/c all year, humiday setting at 50.

[ureout]

Should go to the source and ask contractors.

The word of posters on a social media site is of zero value.

:ho:

you seem to waste your time reading the posts and answer them quite often :confused:

[rsmurano]

All of the newer homes in TV have their heat pumps sized smaller because they are intended to run longer to eliminate the humidity in the house. I had ours evaluated and the Florida guidance charts show I should have at least 1/2 ton larger than what I have. But many other site and talking with contractors, you want a smaller unit to get rid of the humidity.
No problem maintaining a 20 degree difference.

[Villagesgal]

I have a stick built house that we had built adding extra insulation in the ceilings and walls and have very low electric bills even keeping the house at 76 all summer. Never had a bill over $100 and average $80 a month over summer. We have a 3 bed/2 car, 1,800 Sq ft house. Best money we ever spent on the added insulation at build, house stays warm in winter too.

[DonnaNi4os]

Just a word of advice. Even if you have a brand new AC unit, keep a portable AC unit tucked away for emergencies. I speak from experience…if your unit goes out during the high temp/humidity weather you will be happy that you have a backup. It may only cool one room but at least you will have a comfortable night’s sleep. Even if you can get a tech to come out they may not have the part you need available. Plan ahead and just as a flashlight is a blessing when the lights go out at night, a portable AC unit will be worth the $300 it is likely to cost you. You will be thankful.

[biker1]

What you really want is a system with a variable speed compressor. With a variable speed compressor, your system could run continuously, mostly at a low speed and ramping up when necessary. This approach will mostly eliminate cycling and reduce wear on the system, and help maintain temperature and humidity. Unfortunately, The Villages doesn't go this route but you can when the original system needs replacing. We had a two speed Carrier Infinity system (50% and 100% compressor speed plus variable speed air handler) in a previous house and it worked great. We currently have a Mitsubishi mini-split for the lanai and it can ramp anywhere from 25 to 100% of the nominal capacity. Works great.

All of the newer homes in TV have their heat pumps sized smaller because they are intended to run longer to eliminate the humidity in the house. I had ours evaluated and the Florida guidance charts show I should have at least 1/2 ton larger than what I have. But many other site and talking with contractors, you want a smaller unit to get rid of the humidity.
No problem maintaining a 20 degree difference.

[Rodneysblue]

I am not a resident yet, but I was wondering if A/C contractors in TV will guarantee a 20 temperature reduction during a hot summer day? I am presently living on Long Island, NY and that clause was written into my A/C contract.
Second question: What indoor temperature do you prefer in the summer?
Thank you! MarvinH
Not a problem. We keep our house at 74° at night and 78° during the day in the summer. Never had a problem.

[Dgodin]

We feel the best way to navigate the florida climate is to acclimate. We dont use AC in the car, just open windows. We spend time outside and keep the house at 79, cooler than the outside but not as big a difference. I think a 20 degree difference is a lot. But the downside is we freeze in stores and restaurants.

[Proveone]

I am not a resident yet, but I was wondering if A/C contractors in TV will guarantee a 20 temperature reduction during a hot summer day? I am presently living on Long Island, NY and that clause was written into my A/C contract.
Second question: What indoor temperature do you prefer in the summer?
Thank you! MarvinH
I am originally from NY. Air conditioning thermostats were set for 72 -74 degrees. I have been in Florida since '07. I have always set my thermostat at 79 degrees during the day and 78 at night. Once you are down here for an extended period of time, your blood thins. If you set your thermostat at 72, you are wasting your money and your bills will be very high.

[Ptmcbriz]

In the summer we set day temp at 73 and night temp at 68. We like to sleep with a blanket. We also leave our slider cracked open several hours during the day. Never have a problem. It always maintains.

[JGibson]

Just a word of advice. Even if you have a brand new AC unit, keep a portable AC unit tucked away for emergencies. I speak from experience…if your unit goes out during the high temp/humidity weather you will be happy that you have a backup. It may only cool one room but at least you will have a comfortable night’s sleep. Even if you can get a tech to come out they may not have the part you need available. Plan ahead and just as a flashlight is a blessing when the lights go out at night, a portable AC unit will be worth the $300 it is likely to cost you. You will be thankful.

That's actually very good advice. I wish I had a portable when my A/C went out and needed to be replaced entirely.

I also find the location of the thermostat to be critical as it needs to be more in the center of the house not near the garage or front door.

[PugMom]

you seem to waste your time reading the posts and answer them quite often :confused:

why so nasty? lighten up. -----Marvin, good thread!! i keep mine between 73-76 summer, heat on whenever temps get below 65

[BrianL99]

What you really want is a system with a variable speed compressor. With a variable speed compressor, your system could run continuously, mostly at a low speed and ramping up when necessary. This approach will mostly eliminate cycling and reduce wear on the system, and help maintain temperature and humidity. Unfortunately, The Villages doesn't go this route but you can when the original system needs replacing. We had a two speed Carrier Infinity system in a previous house and it worked great. We currently have a Mitsubishi mini-split for the lanai and it can ramp anywhere from 25 to 100% of the nominal capacity. Works great.

I would recommend not putting in a variable speed compressor (variable speed fan is probably ok), unless you have insulated duct work ... which I don't believe The Village's construction has.

Variable speed compressors are more expensive to buy, but do save energy. The "pay back" is likely going to about 5-7 years.

They do much better job at maintaining a constant temperature, probably +/- 1 degree, rather than 3. A 2 Stage might be reasonable compromise.

Here's a link that will tell you more about it.

Are Variable Speed Air Conditioners Worth The Cost? - Blue National HVAC (https://bluenationalhvac.com/air-conditioner/variable-speed-ac/)

[biker1]

The duct work is insulated. Could it be insulated more? Sure but it is insulated to probably R-6. I believe you will find that most air handlers in Villages homes are single speed (are programmed for a single speed from several possible options).

I would recommend not putting in a variable speed compressor (variable speed fan is probably ok), unless you have insulated duct work ... which I don't believe The Village's construction has.

Variable speed compressors are more expensive to buy, but do save energy. The "pay back" is likely going to about 5-7 years.

They do much better job at maintaining a constant temperature, probably +/- 1 degree, rather than 3. A 2 Stage might be reasonable compromise.

Here's a link that will tell you more about it.

Are Variable Speed Air Conditioners Worth The Cost? - Blue National HVAC (https://bluenationalhvac.com/air-conditioner/variable-speed-ac/)

[MrFlorida]

78 to 80, you get used to the heat living here year round.

[jump4]

We set an indoor temp of 76.

I find that the humidity setting is also important. We set the humidistat at 50%.
Many thermostats also include the humidity setting.

Our summer cooling is set to 76. We have a 2-stage system that runs slower & longer to keep the humidity down.

[sowilts]

I am not a resident yet, but I was wondering if A/C contractors in TV will guarantee a 20 temperature reduction during a hot summer day? I am presently living on Long Island, NY and that clause was written into my A/C contract.
Second question: What indoor temperature do you prefer in the summer?
Thank you! MarvinH
We have the best system I have ever experienced. Will cool it down as far as turned. Whisper quiet too.

[Nancy@Pinellas]

We keep our home about 74° on a 96° day.

[retiredguy123]

I would recommend not putting in a variable speed compressor (variable speed fan is probably ok), unless you have insulated duct work ... which I don't believe The Village's construction has.

Variable speed compressors are more expensive to buy, but do save energy. The "pay back" is likely going to about 5-7 years.

They do much better job at maintaining a constant temperature, probably +/- 1 degree, rather than 3. A 2 Stage might be reasonable compromise.

Here's a link that will tell you more about it.

Are Variable Speed Air Conditioners Worth The Cost? - Blue National HVAC (https://bluenationalhvac.com/air-conditioner/variable-speed-ac/)
Just a few comments on single stage, two-stage and variable speed compressors. I have a single stage compressor like almost every house in The Villages. My indoor temperature never varies more than one degree from the setting, not 3 degrees. My electric bill is so low that there is no way that I would never see a break even point over the life span of a more expensive two-stage or variable speed compressor. I have never experienced an uncomfortable humidity issue, and my unit is very quiet.

There was another thread on TOTV where a poster had been waiting more than 3 months for a special electronic part to repair their variable speed compressor. By contrast, if your single stage compressor fails, there are plenty of parts available to repair it immediately. That is because there are so many single stage units operating in The Villages. Whenever I replace a major appliance or other material in my house, I opt for the standard, most commonly used product because I know that the installer has experience with it and it can be easily repaired. When I replace my HVAC system, it will be a single stage Carrier unit, and it will most likely be installed by Munn's. My opinion.

[nick demis]

I am not a resident yet, but I was wondering if A/C contractors in TV will guarantee a 20 temperature reduction during a hot summer day? I am presently living on Long Island, NY and that clause was written into my A/C contract.
Second question: What indoor temperature do you prefer in the summer?
Thank you! MarvinH

With decades of building under their belt, I wouldn't be concerned.

[sowilts]

I would recommend not putting in a variable speed compressor (variable speed fan is probably ok), unless you have insulated duct work ... which I don't believe The Village's construction has.

Variable speed compressors are more expensive to buy, but do save energy. The "pay back" is likely going to about 5-7 years.

They do much better job at maintaining a constant temperature, probably +/- 1 degree, rather than 3. A 2 Stage might be reasonable compromise.

Here's a link that will tell you more about it.

Are Variable Speed Air Conditioners Worth The Cost? - Blue National HVAC (https://bluenationalhvac.com/air-conditioner/variable-speed-ac/)
We have insulated Ductwork.

[Topspinmo]

In the summer we set day temp at 73 and night temp at 68. We like to sleep with a blanket. We also leave our slider cracked open several hours during the day. Never have a problem. It always maintains.

Do you also enjoy high electric bills. :shrug:

[SeaCros]

I am not a resident yet, but I was wondering if A/C contractors in TV will guarantee a 20 temperature reduction during a hot summer day? I am presently living on Long Island, NY and that clause was written into my A/C contract.
Second question: What indoor temperature do you prefer in the summer?
Thank you! MarvinH
Not sure if in Florida you will get a “guaranteed temp” as the weather is quite different here than from New York. Most of the newer homes have smart thermostats that will adjust. Good luck

[HJBeck]

I’m not a mechanical engineer but can assure you that a good Heat Pump can easily provide your 20-30 degree differential temperature. But you never asked at what cost. We went with an advanced system (SEER 19) heat pump and have absolutely never have a problem even when it’s 95 + degrees. Our highest electrical bill has been $95/ month. Bought unit in 2020 and asked for 12 year warranty (parts &labor). Most of the contractors did not hesitate. Did pay roughly $13k for the unit but peace of mind is important.

[nn0wheremann]

I am not a resident yet, but I was wondering if A/C contractors in TV will guarantee a 20 temperature reduction during a hot summer day? I am presently living on Long Island, NY and that clause was written into my A/C contract.
Second question: What indoor temperature do you prefer in the summer?
Thank you! MarvinH
The standard for judging a window air conditioner’s performance is a 20 degree Fahrenheit drop in temperature across the coils, that is the air coming out is 20 degrees F cooler than ambient air going in. Window a/c is verboten in The Villages. We have central air conditioning for the whole house. Houses here, particularly those constructed after June 2003 meet strict Florida building codes. Insulation is adequate, and the air conditioning capacity is sized to the square footage of the house.
We have no problems maintaining 76 degrees inside even when it is 96 F outside. Our air conditioning unit has been in service for 20 years, with no professional maintenance.
Besides, in Florida the issue is not the heat, it is the humidity.

[retiredguy123]

I’m not a mechanical engineer but can assure you that a good Heat Pump can easily provide your 20-30 degree differential temperature. But you never asked at what cost. We went with an advanced system (SEER 19) heat pump and have absolutely never have a problem even when it’s 95 + degrees. Our highest electrical bill has been $95/ month. Bought unit in 2020 and asked for 12 year warranty (parts &labor). Most of the contractors did not hesitate. Did pay roughly $13k for the unit but peace of mind is important.
I would just point out that the SEER rating measures the efficiency of the unit, not the cooling ability. The cooling ability is measured by tonnage rating, 3 tons, 4 tons, etc.

[Proveone]

I am not a resident yet, but I was wondering if A/C contractors in TV will guarantee a 20 temperature reduction during a hot summer day? I am presently living on Long Island, NY and that clause was written into my A/C contract.
Second question: What indoor temperature do you prefer in the summer?
Thank you! MarvinH
When you come to Florida and stay for any length of time, your blood thins out, especially as you get older. Set your thermostat at 78 degrees.

[DonnaNi4os]

That's actually very good advice. I wish I had a portable when my A/C went out and needed to be replaced entirely.

I also find the location of the thermostat to be critical as it needs to be more in the center of the house not near the garage or front door.

During 3 weeks of August 2022 I had no air conditioning. SunKool’s tech came every month and I complained that my temp setting would be fine in the morning but by afternoon my temp would rise to over 80. He gave me the same excuse over and over and told me nothing was wrong. Well, 8/2022 I had a complete ac breakdown. I had countless “Freon” boosts with no avail. That led to a coil replacement, then a capacitor replacement and not one but two replacements of my compressor ( the first one was defective). It wasn’t until a tech went into my attic and found a kink in a copper line that was likely the problem all along! Thankfully I was 3 months away from my 5 year parts and labor (actually have 10 year labor). I have switched to another maintenance company but I will always have a backup ac. I have leant it to several neighbors since then. My best advice is to be prepared. You don’t want to go through what I did.

[sdeikenberry]

The more important thing to be sure of is that your unit is sized correctly for your home...and you have adequate insulation, especially in the attic. We have no problem keeping the temp 20 degrees or more below outside temps. And more importantly our unit keeps the humidity at a reasonable low level compared to the summer outdoors.

[Robnlaura]

I put in three 110 volt variable speed 12000 btu mini splits.. love them and cheap

[HORNET]

I am not a resident yet, but I was wondering if A/C contractors in TV will guarantee a 20 temperature reduction during a hot summer day? I am presently living on Long Island, NY and that clause was written into my A/C contract.
Second question: What indoor temperature do you prefer in the summer?
Thank you! MarvinH are you serious?