TL;DR:
In the Gulf Coast climate, the ideal thermostat setting for comfort and energy savings is around 75 to 78 degrees in summer when you are home, and 80 to 82 degrees when you are away. Proper humidity control is just as important as temperature. Smart thermostat programming and routine HVAC maintenance can significantly reduce energy bills while keeping your home comfortable.

Living on the Gulf Coast has its perks. Beautiful views, coastal breezes, and long warm seasons. But when it comes to indoor comfort, heat and humidity can quickly become overwhelming.

If you have ever adjusted your thermostat three times in one afternoon trying to find that perfect balance, you are not alone. Finding the right thermostat settings in the Coastal Bend is about more than just temperature. It is about managing humidity, system efficiency, and energy costs at the same time.

Let’s break down what works best in our climate.

Ideal Summer Thermostat Settings

During peak summer in the Gulf Coast, outside temperatures often sit in the 90s with high humidity levels. Your air conditioning system works hard, so choosing realistic thermostat settings is important.

For most homes, the recommended setting is:

• 75 to 78 degrees when you are home
• 80 to 82 degrees when you are away

Why not lower?

Setting your thermostat too low forces your system to run longer and harder. This increases energy consumption and strain on your HVAC equipment. In coastal climates, extremely low settings can also cause excess condensation and humidity imbalance.

Keeping your thermostat around 76 or 77 degrees usually provides a comfortable environment without overworking your system.

Humidity Is Half the Battle

On the Gulf Coast, comfort is not just about temperature. It is about moisture in the air.

High humidity makes 75 degrees feel warmer than it actually is. If your home feels sticky even when the AC is running, the issue may not be temperature. It may be poor humidity control.

A properly functioning HVAC system should maintain indoor humidity between 45 and 55 percent.

If humidity is too high, you may notice:

• Musty smells
• Damp feeling air
• Increased allergy symptoms
• Higher cooling bills

In some cases, adding a whole home dehumidifier or upgrading to a more efficient system can improve comfort without lowering the thermostat.

Smart Thermostats Make a Big Difference

If you still have a manual thermostat, upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat can significantly improve energy savings.

Smart thermostats allow you to:

• Automatically adjust temperatures when you leave
• Create schedules for day and night
• Monitor energy usage
• Control settings remotely

Even raising your thermostat by two degrees while you are at work can reduce cooling costs by up to 10 percent over time.

The key is consistency. Constantly changing the thermostat setting throughout the day forces your system to cycle inefficiently. A steady schedule helps maintain both comfort and performance.

Nighttime Settings for Better Sleep

Many homeowners ask if lowering the temperature at night is a good idea.

For sleeping comfort, 72 to 75 degrees is common. However, you do not need to drop it drastically.

Lowering the thermostat by one or two degrees at night is usually enough to stay comfortable without dramatically increasing energy use.

If you prefer cooler sleeping conditions, consider ceiling fans to improve air circulation instead of setting the thermostat excessively low.

What About Winter Settings?

While Gulf Coast winters are mild, heating still plays a role.

During cooler months, aim for:

• 68 to 70 degrees when home
• 60 to 65 degrees when away

Just like in summer, consistent programming helps reduce energy waste and keeps your system operating efficiently.

How Maintenance Impacts Thermostat Performance

Even the best thermostat settings will not help if your system is not operating efficiently.

Dirty filters, clogged coils, refrigerant issues, and aging equipment all reduce performance. This forces your system to run longer to reach the same temperature.

Routine HVAC maintenance ensures:

• Proper airflow
• Efficient cooling cycles
• Balanced humidity control
• Lower monthly utility bills

In coastal environments like the Coastal Bend, salt air and extended cooling seasons make maintenance even more important.

Final Recommendations for Gulf Coast Comfort

To summarize:

• Keep summer temperatures between 75 and 78 degrees when home
• Raise to 80 to 82 degrees when away
• Maintain indoor humidity between 45 and 55 percent
• Use a smart thermostat for scheduling
• Keep up with regular HVAC maintenance

Comfort in the Gulf Coast climate is about balance. You want a setting that keeps your home cool without overworking your system or driving up energy bills.

If you are unsure whether your system is maintaining proper humidity or operating efficiently, a professional evaluation can help you optimize both comfort and savings.

At Highland AC, we help Coastal Bend homeowners get the most from their HVAC systems through expert maintenance, smart thermostat guidance, and energy efficient upgrades designed specifically for our climate.

If your energy bills are climbing or your home never feels quite comfortable, it may be time for a HVAC system check.