Keeping your home cool in the Texas summer doesn’t have to come with a high energy bill. One of the simplest ways to strike a balance between comfort and savings is by adjusting how you use your thermostat. Whether you’re using a traditional model or considering a smart upgrade, understanding the right thermostat settings for summer can make a major difference.
At Apple AC & Heat Services, we help homeowners in Rockwall stay cool and efficient with expert smart thermostat installation and energy-saving AC solutions. Here’s how to set your thermostat the right way this summer—and why it might be time to upgrade your controls.
The Ideal Thermostat Setting for Summer
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home during the summer. This setting strikes the ideal balance between comfort and energy efficiency. Every degree you lower below 78°F increases energy use by about 6-8%.
If 78°F feels too warm for your household, start with 75–76°F and adjust gradually. You’ll be surprised how your body acclimates, especially when paired with ceiling fans or a well-functioning AC system.
Adjusting Settings When You’re Away
One of the most effective ways to lower your summer energy bills is to raise the thermostat by 7–10°F when you’re not home. For instance, setting your thermostat to 85°F during the day while you’re at work can result in noticeable savings over time.
The challenge is remembering to adjust it. That’s where smart thermostats shine—automating the process for maximum savings.
Why Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat?
Smart thermostats aren’t just about convenience—they’re powerful tools for controlling energy use, reducing AC wear, and keeping your home comfortable at all times. At Apple AC & Heat Services, we regularly recommend and install smart thermostats for homeowners looking to take control of their cooling costs.
Benefits of Smart Thermostat Installation:
- Automatic Scheduling: Create temperature schedules based on your daily routines.
- Remote Access: Adjust your settings from anywhere via smartphone app.
- Learning Features: Some models learn your preferences and adjust automatically.
- Energy Usage Reports: Get insights into your HVAC performance and spot opportunities to save.
- Integration with Smart Home Systems: Pair with Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit for voice control.
If your current thermostat is over 10 years old or lacks programmable features, it’s time to consider a replacement. Our team will help you choose a model that fits your system and lifestyle, and install it with precision.
Extra AC Usage Tips for Summer Efficiency
Beyond setting the right temperature, how you use your thermostat and AC system can have a big impact on comfort and savings. Here are a few practical tips:
- Use ceiling fans: Fans don’t lower the room temperature but help you feel cooler. This allows you to raise the thermostat setting by 2–4°F without sacrificing comfort.
- Avoid frequent manual adjustments: Constantly changing the thermostat forces your system to work harder. Stick to a schedule or use a smart thermostat to manage changes gradually.
- Don’t cool an empty home: Schedule your AC to ease up when you’re away. Cooling unoccupied spaces wastes energy.
- Keep heat out: Close blinds and curtains during the hottest parts of the day to reduce indoor heat gain.
- Maintain your system: A well-maintained AC unit will cool more efficiently, meaning your set temperature is reached faster and with less energy.
Your Local Experts for Smart Comfort Solutions
Setting your thermostat properly is one of the simplest and most effective ways to lower energy costs during the summer. But for many Rockwall homeowners, the real game-changer is upgrading to a smart thermostat that takes the guesswork out of efficiency.
At Apple AC & Heat Services, we install and configure smart thermostats that fit seamlessly with your HVAC system. We’ll help you set schedules, connect to your devices, and show you how to get the most from your new technology.
Call today to schedule your smart thermostat installation or AC efficiency consultation. Let us help you stay cool, save money, and enjoy total control this summer.
