Best Thermostat Settings for Texas Summers

When summer temperatures in Bastrop County soar past 100°F, your thermostat becomes the command center for your comfort—and your electric bill. Set it too low, and your AC runs constantly. Too high, and you're miserable. Here's how to find the sweet spot for Texas summers.

The Recommended Setting: 78°F When Home

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F when you're home during summer. But is that realistic in Texas?

For most Bastrop County residents, 78°F is a good starting point. It balances comfort with energy efficiency. However, personal comfort varies, and you might need to adjust based on:

• Your home's humidity levels
• How many people live in your home
• Personal temperature preferences
• Health conditions that require cooler temperatures
• Activity levels (cooking, exercising, etc.)

Why 78°F Works in Texas

At 78°F, your AC runs efficiently without constant cycling. Here's why this matters:

Humidity Control

Your AC removes humidity as it cools. When the system runs for longer cycles at 78°F, it removes more moisture from the air. This makes 78°F feel more comfortable than you might expect. A home at 76°F with high humidity can feel worse than 78°F with proper humidity control.

Energy Savings

Every degree below 78°F increases your cooling costs by about 3-4%. Setting your thermostat to 72°F instead of 78°F can increase your summer electric bill by 18-24%. In Texas, where AC can account for 50% or more of summer electricity use, that adds up quickly.

Reduced System Strain

When outdoor temperatures hit 100°F+, asking your AC to maintain 72°F indoors means a 28+ degree temperature differential. Most residential systems are designed for a 15-20 degree differential. Running at capacity all day accelerates wear and increases repair risk.

What About When You're Away?

This is where many Texans make a costly mistake. Some turn off the AC entirely when leaving for work. Others set it to 85°F or higher. Here's the better approach:

Don't Turn Off the AC

When you turn off your AC on a 100°F Texas day, your home can heat up to 90°F+ inside. When you return and crank the AC back on, the system must work extremely hard to remove all that heat. This:

• Uses more energy than maintaining a moderate temperature
• Stresses your compressor
• Takes hours to cool down
• Allows humidity to build up, promoting mold growth

The Sweet Spot: 82-85°F When Away

Raising the thermostat to 82-85°F when away for 4+ hours saves energy while keeping your home from overheating. The AC runs periodically to maintain this temperature, which:

• Prevents extreme heat buildup
• Controls humidity
• Allows faster cool-down when you return
• Saves 5-15% on cooling costs

Smart Thermostat Strategies

A programmable or smart thermostat makes temperature management automatic. Here's how to program it for Texas summers:

Weekday Schedule (Example)

Pre-Cooling is Key

The best smart thermostat feature for Texas is pre-cooling. Instead of coming home to an 85°F house and waiting for it to cool, your thermostat starts cooling 30-60 minutes before you arrive. You walk into a comfortable home without paying to cool an empty house all day.

Smart Learning Features

Modern smart thermostats learn your schedule and preferences. They can also factor in outdoor temperature forecasts, adjusting operation on especially hot days. Some can even detect when you leave via smartphone geofencing.

Ceiling Fans: Your Secret Weapon

Ceiling fans don't cool the air, but they make you feel 4-6 degrees cooler through wind chill effect. Using fans allows you to raise your thermostat setting while maintaining comfort:

• Set thermostat to 80°F with ceiling fans running
• Feel as comfortable as 76°F without fans
• Save 8-16% on cooling costs
• Remember: Turn fans off when you leave—they cool people, not rooms

Night Settings for Better Sleep

Most people sleep better in slightly cooler temperatures. However, dramatically lowering the thermostat at night is expensive. Better strategies include:

Use Fans Strategically

A bedroom ceiling fan or box fan provides personal cooling without lowering the whole-house temperature.

Close Blinds Before Sunset

West-facing windows absorb heat all afternoon. Closing blinds before sunset keeps bedrooms cooler.

Consider a Small Drop

Lowering from 78°F to 76°F at night costs roughly $0.50-1.00 per night but can dramatically improve sleep quality. Sometimes that's worth it.

Common Thermostat Mistakes in Texas

Avoid these costly errors:

Cranking It Down to Cool Faster

Setting the thermostat to 65°F won't cool your home faster. Your AC works at the same rate regardless of setting. It will just run longer and cost more.

Constant Adjustments

Frequently changing temperatures causes more AC cycling, reducing efficiency and increasing wear. Pick a setting and stick with it.

Closing Vents in Unused Rooms

This seems logical but actually increases pressure in your duct system, causing leaks and reduced efficiency. Leave vents open.

Thermostat in a Bad Location

If your thermostat is near a window, lamp, or in a hallway, it may not accurately read your home's temperature. Consider relocation if readings seem off.

When Comfort Requires Lower Temperatures

Some situations require cooler settings despite the energy cost:

• Medical conditions: Some health issues require cooler environments
• Home offices: Computer equipment generates heat
• Infants and elderly: May need more controlled temperatures
• Pets: Dogs and cats need reasonable temperatures too

If you need to maintain lower temperatures, focus on efficiency improvements: better insulation, sealed ducts, and regular maintenance help your AC work less hard to achieve cooler temperatures.

Optimize Your Comfort and Savings

At String Prairie Heating & Air, we help Bastrop County homeowners find the right balance between comfort and efficiency. Whether you need a thermostat upgrade, system tune-up, or advice on improving your home's efficiency, we're here to help.

Serving Bastrop, Smithville, Rosanky, Paige, and surrounding communities with honest, reliable HVAC service.