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Texan Poll Inhumans Choose Comfort Over Climate Action
Big Oil has Texans sweating it out as they set their thermostats high in the hopes of saving a buck or two as inflation spikes amidst another scorching summer.
Published August 1, 2024 at 5:59am by Isabela Ocampo Restrepo
Texas, Keep Your Cool: AC Temperature Poll Results Reveal a Chilly Divide
A recent American-Statesman poll investigated the preferred AC thermostat settings of Texans, a state grappling with sweltering summers and soaring electricity bills. As temperatures consistently hit the 90s, over 5,000 Texans weighed in on their cooling strategies.
The Burning Results:
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78 degrees: The Chilly Majority - 19.49% (981 votes) are following the U.S. Department of Energy's recommended setting, balancing savings and comfort.
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The 75-76 Degree Club: 12.79% (644 votes) and 11.54% (581 votes) respectively, opt for a slightly cooler setting.
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The Unpopular Kids: 79 degrees (2.07%, 104 votes) and 71 degrees (4.43%, 223 votes) are the least favored, perhaps due to either shivering or sweating.
Tips to Chill, Texan-Style:
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Shut Out the Heat: Keep doors and windows closed to block that scorching Texas sun.
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24/7 Cool: Run your AC all day, every day. Contrary to myth, the Department of Energy confirms this saves more energy than frequently turning it on and off.
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Thermostat, Shadows, and Solar: Place thermostats away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Consider solar-powered AC for sustainability.
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Vent, Vent, Vent: Ensure every room has return air vents, keep ductwork straight, and supply vents away from windows for efficient, balanced cooling.
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Close, But Not Personal: Shut doors to unused rooms, and avoid duct bends to maintain airflow and keep costs down.
Texans, stay cool, stay woke, and remember, we're all in this heat together.
Read more: Most Texans set their AC thermostat to this temperature, poll shows. Do you agree?