Smart Thermostats in Extreme Heat: Are You Using Yours Wrong?

Your smart thermostat is supposed to make your home more comfortable while helping you manage cooling costs. But during a Memphis heat wave, the wrong settings can make your AC work harder than necessary and send your energy bills climbing. At Automatic Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing & Electric, we want you to get every benefit your technology offers. That starts with knowing how to use smart thermostats in Memphis effectively when temperatures soar.

Don’t Crank Down the Temperature

One of the most common mistakes we see is setting the thermostat dramatically lower when the house feels hot. If your normal setting is 76 degrees, changing it to 68 won’t make your AC cool the house faster. Your system will simply run longer trying to reach an unnecessarily low target.

Instead, choose a comfortable temperature and adjust it gradually. During extreme heat, keeping your thermostat at a reasonable setting can reduce strain on your cooling system while maintaining indoor comfort.

Program Around Your Schedule

Smart thermostats work best when you let them do what they were designed to do. Use scheduling features to match your household routine.

If everyone leaves for work or school during the day, you may be able to raise the temperature a few degrees while the house is empty. Have the thermostat begin cooling before everyone returns rather than leaving the AC at the same low setting all day.

Many smart thermostats can also learn your habits, use occupancy sensors, or provide remote control through a smartphone app. We offer smart thermostat installation and services designed to help Memphis homeowners take advantage of these features.

Avoid These Smart Thermostat Mistakes

Your thermostat may be smart, but it can’t overcome every HVAC problem. Watch out for these common mistakes:

• Constantly changing the temperature: Frequent manual adjustments can interfere with your programmed schedule.
• Using extreme setbacks: Raising the temperature too high while you’re away can make the system work hard when you return.
• Ignoring humidity: Memphis heat often comes with heavy humidity. Indoor comfort depends on moisture control as well as temperature.
• Blocking the thermostat: Lamps, appliances, sunlight, and other heat sources can cause inaccurate readings.
• Ignoring maintenance: A smart thermostat cannot compensate for dirty filters, restricted airflow, or an AC system that needs service.

Optimize Your Thermostat for Extreme Heat

During a heat wave, check that your thermostat is operating correctly and that its schedule reflects your actual routine. Keep your air filter clean, make sure supply and return vents aren’t blocked, and use ceiling fans to help rooms feel cooler.

You should also pay attention to your thermostat’s energy reports. If you notice unusually long cooling cycles, frequent starts and stops, or rising energy use, don’t automatically blame the thermostat. Your AC may need professional attention. Regular maintenance can improve efficiency, reduce unnecessary wear, and help your system perform reliably during Memphis summers.

A smart thermostat is a valuable comfort tool, but only when it’s configured properly and paired with a healthy HVAC system. If you’re unsure whether your settings are helping or hurting your home’s efficiency, we’re happy to help you get the most from your investment.

Schedule an air conditioning appointment with Automatic Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing & Electric. Since 1943, it’s been Automatic in Memphis!