Most Texans set their AC thermostat to this temperature, poll shows. Do you agree?

A recent American-Statesman poll asked residents what the best temperature to keep their AC thermostat at is, considering hot summer days and high electricity bills.

As temperatures remain in the 90s during most days, the poll investigated the most popular AC setting among Texans.

More than 5,000 answers were collected, giving us a better idea of what the average setting is, and which temperature settings are unpopular among readers.

Here's what we found about how Texans use their most appreciated appliance to stay comfortable and cool while saving energy during the hot summer months.

At what temperature do most people set their AC in Texas?

The majority of Texan readers who voted say they prefer to keep their AC at 78 degrees. According to poll results, this is almost 20% of the voters, or 972 people.

The second most popular setting is 75 degrees, with 12% of the voters falling in this category. Among the least popular AC temperatures were 79 and 71 degrees, the poll showed.

Here's a breakdown of the results:

• 78 degrees: 19.49%, 981 votes
• 75 degrees: 12.79%, 644 votes
• 76 degrees: 11.54 % , 581 votes
• 74 degrees: 11.28%, 568 votes
• 72 degrees: 8.94%, 450 votes
• 77 degrees: 8.52%, 429 votes
• 70 degrees or lower: 7.43%, 374 votes
• 73 degrees: 7.17%, 361 votes
• 80 degrees or higher: 6.34%, 319 votes
• 79 degrees: 4.43%, 223 votes
• 71 degrees: 2.07%, 104 votes

What is the recommended temperature?

The majority of voters in this poll chose the temperature recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy. According to the Department of Energy, 78 degrees is the ideal summer temperature, providing the most savings without too much discomfort.

What are ways to stay cool and save energy?

Here are some helpful tips if you want to reduce the costs of air conditioning.

• Limit Outside Air : Keep doors and windows closed to avoid introducing warm outside air.
• Run Continuously : Let your AC run all day rather than turning it on and off frequently. Contrary to popular belief, turning the AC on and off requires more energy than just leaving it on.
• Place Thermostat Wisely : Keep thermostats away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
• Install Return Vents : Ensure every room has a return air vent for balanced cooling.
• Avoid Duct Bends : Keep ductwork straight to prevent airflow restrictions.
• Close Unused Doors : Shut doors to rooms that don’t need cooling.
• Avoid Hot Windows : Keep supply vents away from windows to maintain efficiency.
• Consider Solar : Look into solar-powered air conditioners for a sustainable option.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Most Texans set their AC thermostat to this temperature, poll shows. Do you agree?