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 / 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 The Pearland
For Pearland residents, finding the right balance between energy efficiency and comfort is crucial, especially during the hot and humid summer months. Given the city's location in Brazoria County, within the Houston area, it's likely that many homeowners will benefit from setting their thermostats a few degrees higher while away, rather than turning off the AC completely. This approach can help mitigate the risk of mold growth, which can be a significant concern in humid climates like ours. By adjusting their thermostat by 7-10 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours a day, Pearland homeowners can potentially save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. As the summer heat sets in, it's worth considering this strategy to reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills, while also maintaining a comfortable and healthy indoor environment.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Pearland 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 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / 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 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Pearland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kiki Sideris And Isabella O'Malley, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Pearland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Pearland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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