Is 78°F a Good Summer Thermostat Setting in Austin?
Yes. Austin Energy recommends setting the thermostat at 78°F or higher during summer to help control electricity use. According to Austin Energy, every degree below 78°F may increase energy use by approximately 6% to 8%.
However, 78°F may not feel the same in every home. A well-insulated property with sealed ductwork and controlled humidity may feel comfortable at 78°F. A home with poor insulation, air leaks or high humidity may still feel warm at a lower setting.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Austin Homes
- While at home: 76°F to 78°F
- While sleeping: 78°F to 80°F
- While away: 82°F to 85°F
These temperatures are only starting points. Adjust the thermostat by one degree at a time until you find a comfortable balance between indoor comfort and energy savings.
What Temperature Should You Set at Night?
A setting between 78°F and 80°F may work well at night, especially when you use a ceiling fan. If this feels too warm, lower the temperature gradually rather than making a large adjustment.
Ceiling fans make people feel cooler by moving air around the room, but they do not reduce the room’s actual temperature. Turn fans off when nobody is in the room to avoid wasting electricity.
What Temperature Should You Use While Away?
If your home will be empty for several hours, consider raising the thermostat to between 82°F and 85°F. This can reduce unnecessary air-conditioning use while preventing the house from becoming excessively hot.
You do not always need to turn the air conditioner off completely. Austin temperatures can cause indoor spaces to heat up quickly. Excessive heat and humidity can affect pets, plants, electronics and other items inside the home.
A programmable or smart thermostat can automatically raise the temperature when you leave and begin cooling your home before you return.
Does Setting the Thermostat Lower Cool the House Faster?
No. Setting the thermostat to 68°F will not make a standard air conditioner cool your home faster than setting it to 75°F. It only tells the system to continue operating until it reaches the lower temperature.
Setting the thermostat extremely low can make the AC run longer, increase electricity use and place additional strain on the system.
Why Does My Home Still Feel Warm at 74°F?
If your Austin home still feels warm at 74°F, the thermostat setting may not be the real problem. Possible causes include:
- High indoor humidity
- A dirty air filter
- Weak airflow from the vents
- Leaking or poorly insulated ductwork
- Insufficient attic insulation
- Direct sunlight entering through windows
- A dirty evaporator or condenser coil
- Low refrigerant caused by a leak
- An incorrectly sized HVAC system
If your AC runs continuously but cannot maintain the thermostat setting, the system should be professionally inspected.
How Can You Stay Comfortable Without Lowering the Thermostat?
Use Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans improve air movement and may allow you to use a slightly higher thermostat setting without sacrificing comfort.
Close Blinds and Curtains
Keep blinds and curtains closed on windows receiving direct sunlight. This can reduce the amount of outdoor heat entering your home.
Check the Air Filter
A dirty filter restricts airflow and makes the air conditioner work harder. Inspect the filter regularly and replace it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Keep Vents Open
Do not block supply or return vents with furniture, rugs or curtains. Proper airflow helps the HVAC system cool the home evenly.
Schedule HVAC Maintenance
Regular HVAC maintenance can identify dirty coils, airflow restrictions, electrical problems and other issues that may reduce cooling performance.
When Should You Call an HVAC Technician?
Contact an HVAC professional if you notice any of these warning signs:
- The AC runs continuously without reaching the set temperature
- Warm air comes from the vents
- Airflow is weaker than normal
- The outdoor AC unit is not running
- Ice appears on the system or refrigerant line
- The system repeatedly turns on and off
- You hear buzzing, grinding or banging noises
- Your electricity bill increases unexpectedly
- You smell burning or experience repeated breaker trips
Turn the system off and request professional assistance if you smell burning or notice an electrical problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thermostat setting for an Austin summer?
For most Austin homes, 78°F is a practical starting point while people are at home. You can adjust the temperature based on personal comfort, humidity and HVAC performance.
Is 75°F a good AC temperature in Austin?
Yes. A 75°F setting may feel more comfortable, but it will generally use more cooling energy than a 78°F setting.
Should I turn my AC off when I leave home?
It is usually better to raise the thermostat rather than turn the AC off completely. A setting between 82°F and 85°F may be appropriate while the property is empty.
Should the thermostat fan be set to AUTO or ON?
AUTO is normally the better everyday setting. The fan operates only during active cooling cycles, which uses less electricity than running it continuously.
Why is my AC running but not cooling the house?
Common causes include an incorrect thermostat setting, dirty filter, frozen coil, dirty outdoor unit, refrigerant leak, duct problem or failing HVAC component.
Schedule HVAC Service in Austin, TX
The best thermostat temperature depends on your property, HVAC system and comfort needs. If your AC cannot maintain a reasonable temperature, R.P. HVAC can inspect the system and identify the underlying problem.
Call R.P. HVAC: (737) 802-5806
Request HVAC service in Austin, TX