North Texas homeowner guide

Best thermostat setting for a Texas summer

Texas grid and utility officials recommend setting your thermostat to 78°F or higher in summer when you're home, and 80°F or higher if you'll be gone more than four hours. They estimate every degree of extra cooling adds about 6% to 8% to energy use. Fans, closed blinds and a well-kept AC help 78°F feel cooler.

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78°F or higher at home
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80°F or higher when away
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Run fans in rooms you're using
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Keep the filter clean

Written for DFW homes

Why 78 degrees

The Public Utility Commission of Texas and ERCOT suggest 78°F or higher and note that every degree of extra cooling raises energy use by roughly 6% to 8%. During grid conservation requests, setting it a bit higher helps even more.

Stay comfortable at 78

Ceiling fans should spin counterclockwise in summer to push air down
Fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave
Close blinds on sunny windows
Run the dryer, oven and dishwasher early or late in the day

Don't fight the system

Don't close vents in unused rooms; it can raise duct pressure and cause leaks
Change the air filter on schedule
Get a tune-up before the first hot week
If the house won't hold 78 on a hot afternoon, have the AC checked

Sources

FAQ

Common questions

What should I set my thermostat to in a Texas summer?

78°F or higher when home, and 80°F or higher if you're away more than four hours, per Texas grid and utility officials.

How much does each degree cost?

Officials estimate each degree of extra cooling adds about 6% to 8% to energy use.

Should I close vents in rooms I don't use?

No. It can raise duct pressure and cause leaks.

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