TL;DR
- The best thermostat setting for most homes during summer is 78°F when you’re home.
- Raise the temperature to 82 to 85°F when you’re away to save on energy costs.
- A smart thermostat can automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule.
- Ceiling fans, regular AC maintenance, and changing your air filter can help keep your home comfortable without overworking your system.
- Avoid setting your thermostat extremely low. It won’t cool your home any faster and can put unnecessary strain on your air conditioner.
When the Texas summer heat is in full swing, it’s tempting to crank your thermostat down as low as it will go. After all, nothing feels better than walking into a cool home after being outside in 100 degree weather.
But is setting your thermostat to 68°F really the best option?
Not exactly.
Finding the right temperature is all about balancing comfort, energy savings, and keeping your HVAC system running efficiently. Here’s what homeowners should know.
The Ideal Summer Thermostat Setting
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and awake.
While that number may seem a little warm at first, many homeowners find it comfortable once they adjust. It’s also one of the most energy efficient settings for your air conditioner.
If 78°F feels too warm, try lowering it one degree at a time until you find a temperature that’s comfortable without sending your energy bill through the roof.
What Should I Set My Thermostat to When I’m Away?
When no one is home, there’s no reason to cool an empty house.
A good rule of thumb is to set your thermostat between 82°F and 85°F while you’re away for the day.
This helps reduce energy usage while preventing your home from becoming excessively hot. Your AC won’t have to work as hard, and you’ll likely notice lower utility bills over time.
Why a Smart Thermostat Makes a Difference
One of the easiest ways to improve comfort while saving money is by installing a smart thermostat.
Instead of constantly adjusting the temperature yourself, a smart thermostat learns your schedule or allows you to create automatic temperature changes throughout the day.
Benefits include:
- Automatically raising the temperature while you’re at work.
- Cooling your home before you arrive.
- Controlling your thermostat from your phone.
- Monitoring energy usage.
- Helping reduce unnecessary cooling costs.
Many homeowners are surprised by how much a smart thermostat can improve both convenience and efficiency.
Does Lowering the Thermostat Cool the House Faster?
This is one of the biggest HVAC myths.
Your air conditioner cools your home at the same rate regardless of whether you set the thermostat to 72°F or 60°F.
Setting it much lower simply tells the system to keep running longer, which can:
- Increase your electric bill.
- Put extra wear on your HVAC system.
- Make parts of your home feel too cold.
- Create unnecessary strain during extreme summer heat.
If your house isn’t cooling quickly enough, the issue may be related to airflow, insulation, dirty filters, or your HVAC system itself rather than your thermostat setting.
Tips to Stay Comfortable Without Raising Your Energy Bill
A few simple habits can help your home stay cooler while using less energy.
Use Ceiling Fans
Fans create a wind chill effect that helps you feel cooler, even though they don’t actually lower the room temperature.
Keep Blinds and Curtains Closed
Blocking direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day helps prevent extra heat from entering your home.
Change Your Air Filter
A dirty air filter restricts airflow and forces your AC to work harder than necessary.
Schedule Regular AC Maintenance
Routine tune ups help your system operate more efficiently, catch small issues before they become expensive repairs, and keep your home comfortable all summer long.
Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
If you’re still using an older manual thermostat, upgrading to a smart thermostat is one of the easiest ways to improve efficiency while making temperature control effortless.
What Temperature Is Best for Sleeping?
Many people sleep better in a slightly cooler room.
If comfort is your priority overnight, setting your thermostat between 72°F and 76°F often provides a good balance between sleep quality and energy efficiency.
If you have a smart thermostat, you can automatically lower the temperature before bedtime and raise it again in the morning without lifting a finger.
The Bottom Line
There’s no perfect thermostat setting that works for everyone, but 78°F while you’re home and around 82°F to 85°F while you’re away is a great place to start.
If you’re looking for even more comfort and energy savings, upgrading to a smart thermostat can make managing your home’s temperature easier than ever.
Whether you’re interested in installing a smart thermostat, scheduling AC maintenance, or making sure your system is ready for the Texas heat, our team is here to help.
Need help keeping your home cool this summer? Contact us today to schedule your AC service or ask about installing a smart thermostat.
I’m Francis Kaspar, a 35-year-old HVAC technician with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I hold a certification in HVAC technology from Texas State Technical College, where I gained hands-on skills that shaped my career.
Currently, I’m working at The Chill Brothers, specializing in AC installation, repair, and energy-efficient solutions. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and two kids.
I’m also passionate about sharing my HVAC knowledge written by articles that provide practical tips and tricks for homeowners.
