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Is 78°F Really the Best Thermostat Setting for Summer?


In this article…


When temperatures in San Antonio start climbing into the upper 90s and beyond, the last thing you want is for your AC to give out. At the same time, you don’t want to sacrifice comfort—your home should be a cool, safe haven from the relentless Texas heat.


So how do you strike the right balance between staying comfortable and protecting your system? It starts with setting your thermostat to the ideal temperature, that keeps you cool without putting unnecessary strain on your air conditioner.


It’s no secret that higher outdoor temperatures often lead to higher energy bills, which is why it’s important to understand how thermostat settings impact both your comfort and your wallet. Maybe you’ve always kept your thermostat higher during the summer, or maybe you’re just now experimenting with increasing the temperature a few degrees. Either way, you may be wondering: Does setting the thermostat to 78°F actually help save money?


At Gold Standard Heating and Air, we’re here to help you make informed decisions about your home’s comfort. Whether you’re considering a system replacement, scheduling seasonal maintenance, or simply looking for tips to maximize energy efficiency, we’ve got you covered.

As San Antonio homeowners ourselves, we understand the importance of staying cool—while also managing energy use and keeping monthly bills in check.


In this article, we’ll explore why 78°F is often considered the ideal summer setting, how it can reduce energy costs, the risks of overworking your AC, and more.



Does Setting Your Thermostat to 78°F Really Help You Save on Energy Bills?

Finding the right temperature for your home during extreme heat can be a challenge. You want to stay comfortable, but you also want to avoid overworking your HVAC system and risking a breakdown.


Setting your thermostat to 78°F is a widely recommended starting point—especially when you're away from home. While it might not be the perfect fit for every household, it's a helpful guideline for balancing comfort and energy efficiency.


According to the U.S. Department of Energy, adjusting your thermostat 8–10 degrees higher for at least eight hours a day can save you up to 10% on your annual energy bills. So, if you prefer cooler temperatures while sleeping—raising the setting to around 75–76°F during the day when you're active or away can make a noticeable difference in your energy usage.


Here’s a simple way to look at it: for every degree you increase your thermostat, you can save roughly 1–3% on cooling costs.



More Ways to Boost Energy Efficiency and Cut Costs This Summer

While adjusting your thermostat and upgrading to a smart thermostat are excellent first steps, there are several other easy, practical ways to keep your home cool and reduce energy use during the hottest months.


Here are seven additional tips to help improve comfort and efficiency:

  • Keep curtains or blinds closed during peak sunlight hours, especially in sun-facing rooms

  • Set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise to better distribute cool air

  • Cook outdoors when possible to avoid adding extra heat indoors

  • Seal any gaps around windows and doors to prevent air leaks

  • Run bathroom exhaust fans during and after hot showers to reduce indoor humidity

  • Replace air filters regularly to maintain strong airflow and system performance

  • Schedule professional AC maintenance to catch issues early and improve efficiency


Taking steps to insulate your home, reduce heat buildup, and optimize HVAC performance can go a long way in maintaining a comfortable indoor climate—and keeping your energy bills in check.



Stay Cool and Save All Summer Long

Now that you know why 78F is the go-to summer thermostat setting, you can make smarter choices to reduce energy costs—without sacrificing comfort.


Even on triple-digit days, raising your thermostat just a few degrees for 8–10 hours daily can lead to noticeable savings while easing the workload on your AC system. When your unit doesn’t have to work as hard, especially during peak heat, it runs more efficiently and lasts longer.


Overworking an older unit—particularly one over 10 years old—can lead to breakdowns, costly repairs, or even total system failure when you need cooling most. In many cases, upgrading to a newer, more efficient HVAC system delivers greater long-term savings than constantly repairing an aging one.


If your current system is struggling to keep up, and you’re considering a replacement, it’s important to understand the cost vs. savings equation. Explore our guide to learn how much a new HVAC system can save you each year, when replacement makes sense, and what to expect in terms of cost and comfort benefits.



Ready to Upgrade Your HVAC System with a Team You Can Rely On?

Gold Standard Heating & Air provides top-quality, energy-efficient HVAC systems tailored to meet the unique needs of San Antonio homes.


With flexible monthly financing options available, we make it easy to find the perfect comfort solution without stretching your budget.


Schedule a consultation with one of our trusted comfort specialists today and experience the Gold Standard difference in home comfort.



 
 
 

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