The Biggest Thermostat Mistake in Texas Heat
When the Texas heat rolls in, your air conditioner becomes your best friend. But even the best AC system can struggle if your thermostat settings are working against it. At Custom Comfort Air, we often see one common mistake that leads to skyrocketing energy bills and reduced comfort:
Setting the thermostat too low and never adjusting it. Let’s break down why this is a problem—and what you can do instead.
The Thermostat Trap: “Cooler = Better”
It’s tempting to crank your thermostat down to 68°F or lower when it’s over 100° outside. But doing so won’t cool your home any faster. Instead, it puts added strain on your AC system, causing it to run longer, work harder, and use more electricity.
In Sugar Land and the greater Houston area, where summer humidity adds to the heat index, this can seriously impact your comfort and your energy bill.
What Happens When You Overwork Your AC
- Higher energy bills: Your system runs nonstop trying to reach an unrealistic temperature.
- More wear and tear: The harder your AC works, the shorter its lifespan.
- Inconsistent comfort: You might notice uneven cooling, especially in multi-story homes.
- Increased humidity: ACs that run too often without proper cycling can fail to remove enough humidity from the air.
The Fix: Smart Thermostat Use for Texas Summers
Here’s how to use your thermostat wisely:
- Set it around 75–78°F when you’re home. This is the sweet spot for comfort and efficiency in Texas.
- Raise it 5–8 degrees when you’re away. Use a programmable or smart thermostat to automate this.
- Avoid frequent changes. Constantly adjusting the temp forces your system to cycle more than needed.
- Use ceiling fans to help circulate cool air. This lets you feel cooler at a slightly higher setting.
Bonus Tip: Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats not only help manage your home’s temperature, but they can also learn your schedule and help you save on cooling costs without sacrificing comfort. They’re perfect for Sugar Land’s long, hot summers—and Custom Comfort Air can install and program one for you!
Need Help Staying Cool This Summer?
If your home still feels warm even when the thermostat is set properly, your system might need a tune-up or upgrade. At Custom Comfort Air, we’ve been keeping Texas homeowners cool for over 50 years with expert AC repair, installation, and maintenance.
Call us today at (281) 342-2512 and take control of your comfort—without draining your wallet.