[JGibson]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by ureout

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

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

[BrianL99]

Originally Posted by 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 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

[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).

Originally Posted by BrianL99

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

[MrFlorida]

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

[jump4]

Originally Posted by 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.

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

[sowilts]

Originally Posted by 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

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]

Originally Posted by BrianL99

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

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]

Originally Posted by 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

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

[sowilts]

Originally Posted by BrianL99

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

We have insulated Ductwork.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by 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.

Do you also enjoy high electric bills.

[SeaCros]

Originally Posted by 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

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]

Originally Posted by 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

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.