local
This air conditioning strategy is the sweet spot for saving energy and money, experts say
By Kiki Sideris And Isabella O'Malley, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· July 2, 2026
· 5 min read
Having air conditioning at home is a luxury that keeps people comfortable during the hottest months of the year, and it’s debated whether the AC should stay blasting or be turned off when people head to work during the day.Some swear that turning off the AC when they’re gone for a few hours is th...
Key takeaway Three experts interviewed by The Associated Press agreed that setting the thermostat a few degrees higher than normal while you’re away is generally the best way to balance energy efficiency against comfort and humidity.
Why this matters in Magnolia News
For Magnolia residents, the debate over air conditioning strategies takes on added significance given the Houston area's notoriously humid climate. While experts agree that setting the thermostat a few degrees higher than normal while away is the best approach, locals must also consider the potential for mold growth when turning off the AC for extended periods. In a region where summer humidity is a given, it's crucial to balance energy efficiency with the need to maintain a dry indoor environment. By adjusting their thermostat by 7-10 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours a day, Magnolia homeowners can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. As the summer months approach, residents would do well to experiment with different temperature settings to find the sweet spot that works best for their homes and budgets.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Having air conditioning at home is a luxury that keeps people comfortable during the hottest months of the year, and it’s debated whether the AC should stay blasting or be turned off when people head to work during the day.Some swear that turning off the AC when they’re gone for a few hours is th...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kiki Sideris And Isabella O'Malley, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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