Texas: Thermostats expose real temperature of your State's conscience.

Title: Texas, Air Conditioning, and the Oppressive Heat: Survival Tips for the Summer

As peak summer temperatures scorch Texas, air conditioning is no longer a luxury but a necessity. In a state where the summer heat is a formidable adversary, Texans are all too familiar with the relentless sun and the desperate grasp for any iota of cool relief.

The Stats: Energy Consumption and the AC Dilemma

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, as of 2020, 90% of US households relied on air conditioning. Texas, a behemoth in energy consumption, contributes a staggering one-seventh of the nation's total energy gulping, ranking sixth in per capita energy use.

With summer temperatures soaring above 90°F in densely populated areas, the demand for cooling systems is imperative. Texas, you have a problem, and it's not just the heat—it's the energy crisis knocking at your door.

So, What's the Solution? The Magic Number for Your AC During Summer

The U.S. Department of Energy has hailed 78 degrees as the hero of the hour, recommending this temperature as the ideal summer setting. Any lower, and you're facing a 6-8% increase in energy use per degree. It's a fine line between comfort and conservation.

But Wait, There's More: The Away Conundrum

Texas Energy has a suggestion for those moments when you escape the Texan heat; they recommend setting your thermostat to 85 while you're away, a trade-off that could save you 10% on annual costs. But be warned, depending on the duration of your absence and the ferocity of the sun, you might return to find your home a sauna.

Survival Tricks: Battling the Heat, Conserving Energy

The City of Austin's Office of Sustainability offers these pivotal tips for a cooler, more cost-effective summer:

• Block the Rays: Close blinds, especially on south and west-facing windows, to block the sun's rays and reduce heat penetration by 40%.
• Cooking Conundrum: Skip the oven, which will only add to the furnace-like conditions. Embrace the microwave, outdoor grilling, or better yet, meals that require no cooking at all.
• Smart is the New Cool: Upgrade to a smart thermostat and take control of your AC remotely, earning incentives for staying savvy.
• Power Down: Turn off lights and electronics in empty rooms. Even in standby mode, these devices emit heat and drain energy—a double whammy.
• Circulate and Cool: Optimize cooling with ceiling fans set to rotate counterclockwise for summer. Supercharge this by placing a pan of ice in front of the fan—a DIY AC of sorts.
• Nature's Shade: Strategically plant trees and tall perennials like sunflowers and native plants to create natural shade over time. October to March is the prime window for planting in Central Texas.

Stay cool, Texans. It's a scorching summer out there, and the battle against the heat is on.

Beat the Heat, Texas Style!