What's the best thermostat temperature for Texas heat? Cool tips for running the AC

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Several areas of the Lone Star State are in for another hot week. Central Texas is expected to be hot and dry through Thursday, with highs in the upper 90s the first half of the week before creeping into the triple digits for the latter part. Rain chances return Friday and linger through the weekend.

The shift from July to August is unlikely to bring much relief. The Old Farmer's Almanac predicts Austin's hottest days of the year will continue through mid-August. In other words, it's hot — even for Texans.

But most would like to avoid spending more money than necessary to keep their homes comfortable. Is there a magic number for the thermostat that maintains a good balance? It depends on your situation.

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What temperature should I set for my AC this summer?

As Texas experiences soaring temperatures, other factors can contribute to thermostat preferences, such as:

  • What feels comfortable to you and the other people in your household?

  • The health conditions of people in your household.

  • How well your home is insulated and otherwise protected against heat.

  • What other cooling methods you use (floor fans, ceiling fans, closed curtains/shades, etc.).

  • How much are you willing to pay on your electric bill?

Is 78 the 'magic number'?

Last year, over 5,000 Lone Star residents responded to an American-Statesman poll regarding what temperature they typically set their air conditioner to.

A plurality of Texan readers who voted say they prefer to keep their AC at 78 degrees. According to poll results, this is almost 20% of the voters, or 972 people.

This is also lauded by the U.S. Energy Department as the ideal temperature for summer, generally providing the most savings while limiting discomfort.

Should I turn my air conditioner off at night and open the windows?

If you don't have central air conditioning, opening windows and turning on fans is a good alternative. However, it might be counterproductive if you use AC during the day.

Depending on humidity, leaving windows open can let in hot, moist air. In addition to being uncomfortable, this air can be absorbed by carpet and furniture, increasing the possibility of mildew.

Should I turn off my air conditioner if I leave for work or vacation?

Texas Energy recommends setting your thermostat at 85 while away to save up to 10% on your yearly costs.

However, the duration of your absence and personal preferences will determine whether this is worthwhile. Depending on outside temperatures and the size of your home, it might take some time for conditions to become comfortable again.

Keep the home cooler for people more susceptible to heat

Older adults are more prone to heat stress, according to the Centers for Disease Control. They don't adjust as well to temperature changes, they're more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes their normal responses to heat, and they're more likely to take prescription medicines that affect the body's ability to control its temperature.

Older people are also more prone to Alzheimer's disease and other dementia-related illnesses, and scorching heat can be even more dangerous for people who might not notice that they're overheating, might not understand what it means, might have impaired judgment, or might not be able to tell anyone about it.

A good fan can keep you cool without needing energy-expensive air conditioning.
A good fan can keep you cool without needing energy-expensive air conditioning.

How can I save money while running my air conditioning?

Perhaps turning off your air conditioning is out of the question, but you'd still like to avoid breaking the bank this summer. Here are some tips for easing the load on your AC:

  • Use a programmable or smart thermostat. Raise the temperatures between 78 and 82 or even more while you're not at home or during the night (if you can).

  • Start a fan club. Fans don't cool the air, but they do make you feel better as the moving air cools your skin and helps your body evaporate sweat. Turn on your ceiling fans and put smaller fans around the place to keep your air circulating. Be sure to turn them off when you leave the room for more savings.

  • Change your AC filter regularly. It's easy to do, and it does wonders to help your AC help you. Dirty or clogged filters make AC units work harder. Don't use a heavier filter than you need. Some promise to filter out all viruses, contaminants and pet dander, but they also choke airflow and might make your AC work harder. The government's Energy Star program suggests changing your filter every three months but says if it looks dirty after a month go ahead and swap it out.

  • Close curtains and blinds. Keeping direct sunlight out of the house helps keep the inside from heating up.

  • Keep vents clear. Blocking AC vents blocks airflow. You want airflow so the room will cool to the temperature at which the thermostat is set.

  • Check your insulation and weather stripping. If heat is getting into the house (and cool air is getting out) your AC has to work harder. Check the weather stripping around windows and doors and make sure your attic is insulated.

  • Close doors and vents of rooms you're not using. Why pay to cool a room you don't need? Close the vents in your guest room, utility room or any space you don't use regularly, and keep the door closed. However, don't close off any rooms that connect to other rooms you do use, or you'll block airflow through the area.

  • Cut your electric bill elsewhere. Unplug equipment and appliances that use energy even when turned off, such as TVs, air fryers and video game consoles. Turn lights off if you're not using them. Lower your water heater temperature to 120. Use cold water in the washing machine. Use smaller appliances in the kitchen. Basically, everything your parents used to tell you to do. Sorry.

  • Keep your AC maintained and healthy. Repair companies are busy in the summer, and if yours breaks down they might not be able to get to you right away. Keep yours in good shape before it starts to make weird noises.

How often should I get my air conditioner maintenance done?

Energy Star recommends once a year, in the spring, but Air Tech of Houston AC & Plumbing suggests twice a year for Texans.

What can I do to maintain my air conditioner?

  • Change or clean the air filter every month.

  • Keep leaves, shrubbery and other debris at least 18 inches away from the outdoor unit to avoid blocking the airflow. Don't cover the condenser coil outside to make your house look prettier. Cooler is more important.

  • If you have an outdoor drain, keep it clear and unclogged.

How can I tell if my air conditioner needs to be replaced?

Your AC needs to be repaired if it stops working (obviously), makes loud noises while running or can't keep your house cooled to at least 78 degrees. But it might need to be replaced if it's over 10 to 15 years old, your energy bills have skyrocketed and you keep having to get it fixed.

Older units have other issues, such as increasingly scarce parts or outdated coolant. The U.S. ceased production of Freon in 2020 and older units used R-22 Freon, which is getting tougher to find. And newer systems are more energy-efficient.

— USA TODAY contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: What's best temperature to set your AC, thermostat amid Texas heat?

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