Texas summers are no joke—when the heat hits hard, your HVAC system becomes your best friend. But staying comfortable isn’t just about having a working air conditioner. It’s also about setting your thermostat smartly based on your system type and how long you’ll be away from home.
At Samm’s Heating and Air Conditioning, a proud American Standard dealer, we specialize in top-of-the-line HVAC installations and service all brands. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best thermostat settings for each system type—and why upgrading to a variable-speed system can give you the most comfort with the least effort.
Understanding HVAC System Types
1. Single-Stage Systems
These systems run at full power whenever they’re on—simple and affordable, but they tend to cause temperature swings and use more energy.
2. Two-Stage Systems
These operate at low or high power, depending on the need, providing more consistent temperatures and greater efficiency than single-stage systems.
3. Variable-Speed Systems
The smartest and most efficient of the bunch, variable-speed systems continuously adjust output to match your home’s exact needs. They deliver exceptional comfort, humidity control, and energy savings—all while running quietly and efficiently in the background.
Best Thermostat Settings by System Type
Single-Stage Systems
Why not higher? Raising the temperature more than 2°–3° can lead to long run times and discomfort while your system struggles to cool things back down.
Two-Stage Systems
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At Home: 76°F–78°F
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Away for the Day: 80°F–82°F
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Away for Several Days: 84°F–85°F
These systems can recover more efficiently, but modest adjustments during short absences are still best for performance and comfort.
Variable-Speed Systems
These systems are designed to do the thinking for you. Their precise controls and continuous operation optimize comfort and efficiency with minimal input. Just set it—and leave it. Even when you’re away, it runs smartly to manage heat and humidity without wasting energy or creating uncomfortable recovery times.
Boosting Comfort & Efficiency
Use Ceiling Fans
Fans help circulate air and make you feel cooler, allowing you to raise the thermostat by up to 4°F without sacrificing comfort.
Install a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats learn your preferences, adjust automatically, and let you control temps from your phone. Perfect for unpredictable Texas weather.
Don’t Skip Maintenance
Seasonal tune-ups keep your system running at peak performance. Regular maintenance helps avoid mid-summer breakdowns and extends the life of your equipment.
Signs You May Need an Upgrade
If you’re noticing any of the following, it could mean your HVAC system isn’t keeping up with your needs:
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Uneven Temperatures: Some rooms are always hotter or cooler
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Temperature Swings Between Floors: Significant differences upstairs vs. downstairs
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Loud Operation: System noise in certain areas
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Frequent Thermostat Adjustments: You’re always tweaking the temperature
If that sounds familiar, we can help evaluate your system and recommend simple fixes or smart upgrades.
Why Choose Samm’s Heating and Air Conditioning?
We’re proud to serve North Texas with honest, expert HVAC service. As a trusted American Standard dealer, we install high-efficiency systems built for the Texas climate—and we service all HVAC brands.
📞 Call us today at (214) 473-8200 to schedule a system check, consultation, or installation quote.
👉 It’s been a strange season—if your home isn’t cooling like it should, now’s the time to act before the next heatwave.
By understanding your HVAC system and setting your thermostat strategically—or letting a variable-speed system handle it all—you can enjoy year-round comfort without wasting energy. Samm’s Heating and Air Conditioning is here to help keep your home cool, comfortable, and efficient no matter what Texas weather throws your way.