Best Thermostat Settings for a Texas Summer

Texas summers are no joke. From Weatherford and Aledo to Fort Worth, Benbrook, Granbury, and beyond, homeowners know how hot (and expensive) the summer months can get. 

So, what is the best thermostat setting for summer in Texas? Finding the right balance between staying comfortable and keeping your energy bills under control can help you beat the heat without overworking your air conditioning system. 

What Temperature Should Your Thermostat Be Set to in the Summer?

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F when you're home and need cooling. However, that’s crazy talk for most of us normal people that don't want to sweat just sitting on the couch, especially during a Texas summer when outdoor temperatures can climb well into the triple digits.

At Forrest Air, we recommend setting your thermostat to wherever is comfortable for you, everyone is different and maybe you like it 78 and if so no judgment here. HVAC systems should be designed to run for a long time during peak loads. So it is not abnormal for a system to run constantly especially when it's over 100. But, if you feel like it's not keeping up or operating properly, give us a call and we can do a full evaluation and maintenance to ensure your air conditioning system is running at peak performance so you don't even have to think about it.

If you live in Weatherford, Aledo, Hudson Oaks, Willow Park, Benbrook, Brock, Granbury, or Fort Worth, a properly maintained air conditioning system is essential for staying comfortable during the hottest months of the year.

What Is the Best Thermostat Setting When You're Away?

If you're leaving the house for several hours, you don't need to keep your home at the same temperature you would while you're there.

Forrest Air recommends setting your thermostat 4°F to 7°F higher than your normal at-home temperature when you're away. For example, if you normally keep your thermostat at 74°F, you could raise it to approximately 78°F to 81°F while you're gone.

Raising the temperature while you're away can reduce the amount of time your AC system needs to run, helping lower cooling costs without allowing your home to become excessively hot.

However, avoid turning the AC completely off during a Texas summer. Indoor temperatures can rise quickly, and extreme heat and humidity can create additional problems for your home and belongings. A programmable or smart thermostat can make it easier to automatically adjust your home's temperature based on your daily schedule.

Use Ceiling Fans to Feel Cooler

Ceiling fans can help you feel more comfortable without lowering the thermostat.

During the summer, make sure your ceiling fan is rotating counterclockwise. This pushes air downward and creates a wind-chill effect that can make you feel a couple degrees cooler.

Keep in mind that fans cool people, not rooms. Turn off ceiling fans when you leave a room or leave the house to avoid using unnecessary electricity.

More Ways to Keep Your Texas Home Cool

Your thermostat isn't the only tool you can use to stay comfortable and reduce your AC costs. Try these additional tips:

• Close blinds and curtains during the hottest part of the day to block direct sunlight and reduce heat gain.

• Limit the use of heat-producing appliances such as ovens, stoves, dryers, and other appliances during the hottest afternoon hours.

• Keep exterior doors and windows closed to prevent hot outdoor air from entering your home.

• Use ceiling fans when you're occupying a room to improve air circulation and help you feel cooler.

• Avoid frequent thermostat adjustments. Lowering the thermostat significantly won't make your AC cool your home faster. Instead, it can cause your system to run longer than necessary.

• Schedule regular AC maintenance. A properly maintained air conditioning system can operate more efficiently and help keep your home comfortable throughout the Texas summer.

What Is the Best AC Temperature for Summer?

For many Texas homeowners, a thermostat setting between 72°F and 75°F while you're home offers a comfortable balance between cooling and energy efficiency. When you're away, consider raising the temperature by 4°F to 7°F rather than keeping your home at the same temperature all day.

Of course, the ideal temperature depends on your home's insulation, humidity levels, AC system, and personal comfort preferences. If your air conditioner struggles to maintain your desired temperature—or seems to run constantly even when your thermostat is set to a reasonable temperature—it may be time to have your system inspected.

Whether you're in Weatherford, Aledo, Hudson Oaks, Willow Park, Benbrook, Brock, Granbury, or Fort Worth, Forrest Air can help keep your home comfortable when Texas temperatures rise.

Need help keeping your home cool this summer? Contact Forrest Air today to schedule AC service or maintenance.