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.
What temperature should I set for my AC this summer?
As Texas experiences soaring temperatures, other factors can contribute to thermostat preferences, such as:
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.
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:
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?
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 the best thermostat temperature for Texas heat? Cool tips for running the AC
Reporting by Alexis Simmerman and Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman / Austin American-Statesman
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
