[brownrpnj]

This may seem like an unusual query, but I'm trying to convince my wife Nancy to make a move to TV. We presently live in Presque Isle, MI and are used to thermostat settings of 69 in the winter and 74 in the summer. She thinks the summers in FL are too hot to tolerate. I tell her that's what AC is for, but when we visit her parents in Bradenton they always have their thermostat set at 78 or 80 degrees and we swelter even in the winter. So I'm wondering what thermostat setting it takes to stay comfortable in TV? I know this is personal preference, governed by cost, individual biology and other factors. But I'm trying to get an idea what kind of compromises it will take if we become full time residents. BTW, we'll be visiting in February on the Lifestyle plan.-Phil Brown

[sunflower3630]

Hi Brownrpnj ~

We moved to SW Fl 3 1/2 years ago from Canton, MI. After awhile, your body really does adjust to the warm FL weather. We've never set our thermostat to 74 in the summer, but what's to stop you? I do think, though, over time, you will find yourself kicking it up a bit.

In the summer while it does get very hot, just think of it this way: you spend several months inside the house in cold, dreary, grey weather. Here you get to spend a couple months in the house, but the sun is shining brightly and the air conditioning cools everything off nicely. Just to be able to look outside at all the sunshine is more than worth the trip down here. I don't think I could ever go back to another winter in Michigan. And another thing, no more worries about driving on ice covered roads! Yeah!!

[blueeagle65]

My mother-in-law also keeps their temp up around 78-80 in the summer and if it weren't for the ceiling fan in their guest room I couldn't sleep there. We keep our summer temp set around 75 in TV and in the 'winter' open the windows and very seldom run the heat - it just isn't necessary.

[union1]

Moved to TV in December from Michigan(GR). We have adjusted to a setting of 78-79 in the summer and we have the heat set at 69. Thermostat is set on auto. Very seldom does the heat kick on or do we manually override the auto settings. Hope this helps

[thegreenerside]

It takes about one full year to acclimate your body to the summer and winter temps. But, I will say that there are nights in the summer that with the temperature set at 78 degrees I find myself with a blanket over me while watching television in the evenings. My doctor says that your air conditions should be set 15 degrees cooler than the outdoor temperature. Whom am I to argue after all he is the doctor.

[beady]

We moved here from NH just a year ago. I keep the AC set at 75 during the really warm summer weather, all ceiling fans on low.As someone else said your body will acclimate and it is so much more pleasant being confined in AC and looking out at a green and lush world,than being trapped in a heated house watching the snow fall. As of the 15th of this month(October) I have shut down the system, the fall breeze is blowing in TV and the fresh air is terrific. In January & February last winter I had the heat on at 68 for about a week total.
Love this central Florida weather. I swam all winter except on the few really frosty days, all the pools are heated. Can't beat the weather or TV.

[chuckinca]

Originally Posted by thegreenerside

It takes about one full year to acclimate your body to the summer and winter temps. But, I will say that there are nights in the summer that with the temperature set at 78 degrees I find myself with a blanket over me while watching television in the evenings. My doctor says that your air conditions should be set 15 degrees cooler than the outdoor temperature. Whom am I to argue after all he is the doctor.

With an outside temp of 85 your doc wants the house at 70! Or 80 outside and 65 inside!

Bit chilly don't ya think?



.

[chuckinca]

Originally Posted by blueeagle65

My mother-in-law also keeps their temp up around 78-80 in the summer and if it weren't for the ceiling fan in their guest room I couldn't sleep there. We keep our summer temp set around 75 in TV and in the 'winter' open the windows and very seldom run the heat - it just isn't necessary.

My mother was the same way except it was always 82 in her house year around (even in the Chgo burbs). If you opened a bedroom window she would complain about letting the humidity into the house.

We keep the air at 76 and heat at 69.

When the house is empty in the summer we had the air set at 82 and paid around $60/mo for electric; this past summer my brother was the last one in and left it at 84 (as recommended by a long time villager) and the electric bill was under $20/mo. We were just in for 10 days earlier this month and everything looked fine.


.

[NJblue]

Yes, it is possible to acclimate to all ranges of indoor temperature. Most peole think we are crazy, but in the winter in NJ, we keep our house at 64 during the day and 58 at night. I am very comfortable at those temperatures. When we go to visit my mother in Michigan who keeps her heat on 72, I swelter.

[gnu]

My wife and I have been enjoying Florida, for varying lengths of time, for 20 years. I also believe that you acclimate to the temperatures, both summer and winter, and will adjust your heat/air accordingly.

One thing that you should have if your not occupying you unit for any length of time in the summer is a humidistat. It will allow you to keep your heating bill down and at the same time keep the humidity at an acceptable level.

[rshoffer]

Me thinks your wife may not want to move to Florida. I'd suggest you rent a place here June, July and Aug. Enjoy the pools and the mostly pleasant nights. By Sept she'll know whether this is where she wants to be. Summer rentals are cheap and very available.

[duffysmom]

Since moving to Florida full time I am the happiest I've ever been. We lived for many years in the Hudson Valley of NY and suffered through gray and dreary winters. As mentioned, Summers are bright and sunny with gorgeous flowers everywhere and the smell of fresh cut grass in the air. Standing in my kitchen looking out over the garden is pure happiness 12 months a year. The quality of the light in Florida is therapeutic. Come on down!!!!

[rshoffer]

Originally Posted by duffysmom

Since moving to Florida full time I am the happiest I've ever been. We lived for many years in the Hudson Valley of NY and suffered through gray and dreary winters. As mentioned, Summers are bright and sunny with gorgeous flowers everywhere and the smell of fresh cut grass in the air. Standing in my kitchen looking out over the garden is pure happiness 12 months a year. The quality of the light in Florida is therapeutic. Come on down!!!!

The proof in the pudding: how many southerners "retire" in Michigan (or any part of the frost belt) vs how many northerners retire in the South? But, the South's not for everyone. I lived in Augusta Ga for 9 years... after I moved back to native Pa I knew I'd end up back South. Here we are...

[drdodge]

I keep air at 76 year round. If it going to be chilly in the winter I turn on heat set at 70. Been here for 4 years from Ma.

drd