Smart Thermostat Settings for Fresno’s Time-of-Use Rates (Summer & Winter Schedules)

Smart Thermostat Settings for Fresno’s Time-of-Use Rates (Summer & Winter Schedules)

Fresno homes now pay more for electricity during Time-of-Use (TOU) peak hours. On PG&E’s most common residential plans, peak pricing is 4–9 p.m. every day (E-TOU-C); another option has 5–8 p.m. weekdays (E-TOU-D). Shifting cooling and heating outside those windows lowers bills without sacrificing comfort. PG&E

Below is a practical, smart-thermostat playbook—built for the Central Valley’s long, hot summers and mild winters—so your home stays comfortable while dodging peak rates.

Quick refresher: Fresno weather & why timing matters

Fresno’s summer normals push the upper 90s in July–August, so late-afternoon heat can collide with TOU peaks. Pre-cooling before peak and letting temps “float” slightly during peak is the winning combo.

Summer schedule (June–September)

If you’re on E-TOU-C (4–9 p.m. peak, daily):

    • 6–8 a.m.: Set 76–78°F while getting ready.
    • 12–2 p.m.: Pre-cool to 75–76°F to bank cool air before peak.
    • 2–4 p.m.: Deeper pre-cool to ~74–75°F if your home warms quickly.
    • 4–9 p.m. (peak): Let it float to 78–80°F. Use fans for comfort.
    • After 9 p.m.: Return to 76–78°F for the evening.

If you’re on E-TOU-D (5–8 p.m. peak, weekdays):

    • Shift the deeper pre-cool to 1–3 p.m. and start the float at 5 p.m. on weekdays. Weekends are off-peak all day. 

Why it works: Pre-cooling moves compressor runtime to cheaper hours and trims peak demand. PG&E’s thermostat automation study found shifting load outside 4–9 p.m. reduces peak usage without big comfort penalties.

When away: The U.S. DOE recommends keeping the home warmer when unoccupied—raise the setpoint ~7°F above your “at-home” temp. Start with 75–78°F when home, then let it rise while you’re out.

Winter schedule (November–March)

    • Morning/evening (awake): 68–70°F
    • Overnight / away: Lower the setpoint for savings (smart setbacks work well in our dry, mild winters). DOE guidance: ~68°F when awake, lower when asleep or away.

No HVAC system is silent, but new metallic or banging sounds signal loose belts, failing bearings, or a damaged fan blade. Shut the unit off and call for service to avoid catastrophic compressor damage.

Smart-thermostat features to turn on

    1. TOU-aware scheduling: Create separate pre-peak / peak / off-peak blocks that match your plan (E-TOU-C or E-TOU-D). 
    2. Geofencing & occupancy sensors: Auto-raise temps when everyone leaves; resume pre-cool as you head home. DOE recommends higher setpoints when away. 
    3. Early-start / adaptive recovery: Lets the system begin cooling before the scheduled time so you hit target temps before peak.
    4. Fan-only circulation during peak: Keep air moving while limiting compressor run time.
    5. Event alerts: Enroll in PG&E Peak Day or conservation notifications so you can temporarily boost savings on grid-stress days.

Pro tips for Fresno homes

    • Seal & insulate the attic: Reduces afternoon heat gain so pre-cooling lasts longer.
    • Close blinds 1–6 p.m.: Cut solar gain on west/south windows.
    • Change filters regularly: Better airflow = fewer peak-hour run cycles.
    • Use off-peak for heat-makers: Laundry, dishwashers, and oven use outside 4–9 p.m. on E-TOU-C (or 5–8 p.m. weekdays on E-TOU-D).

Safety & comfort notes

    • Households with infants, elderly residents, or medical needs may prefer a slightly cooler peak setpoint—comfort comes first.
    • Heat pumps and variable-speed systems often handle shallower pre-cools because they run longer at low power—still schedule them to wind down during peak.
    • If your AC can’t hold temp without excessive runtime, you may need maintenance or a duct/insulation check.

Book a TOU-ready setup with A&G Heating & Air

We’ll program your smart thermostat, optimize pre-cooling, and check ducts and insulation so your home rides through peak hours comfortably.

A&G Heating & Air — Veteran-owned. Bilingual techs. 24/7 service.

📞 (559) 765-1467 • 🔗 Request a Quote

Serving Fresno, Clovis, Madera, Visalia, Hanford, and all of Fresno/Tulare/Kings/Merced Counties.

FAQ

What if my plan’s peak hours change? Log into your PG&E account to confirm your current plan (E-TOU-C or E-TOU-D) and hours; adjust the schedule blocks accordingly.

Do smart thermostats really save money here? Yes—pre-cooling and shifting runtime off 4–9 p.m. consistently trims peak usage in PG&E studies, especially during heat waves.

What temperatures should I start with? Per DOE: try 75–78°F when home in summer and raise ~7°F when away; ~68–70°F when awake in winter and lower when sleeping/away.

Top 7 Signs Ac Needs Repair Fresno

A&G Heating & Air Home BG 1

Top 7 Signs Your AC Needs Repair in Fresno—Before the Valley Heat Strikes

Every Central Valley resident knows how brutal a Fresno summer can be—triple-digit highs are common from June through September, and 2024 even saw a record 112 °F day at Fresno Yosemite International Airport. Waiting until the first major heatwave to fix a struggling air-conditioner can leave you sweating while you hunt for an emergency technician.

Below are the seven most common warning signs our certified, bilingual A & G Heating & Air technicians see when an AC unit is on the brink. If you notice any of these, schedule service before the mercury climbs.

1. Warm Air Blowing from Vents

If the thermostat is on “cool” but room air feels lukewarm, you could have a refrigerant leak, compressor trouble, or a failed capacitor. A quick diagnostic can prevent a full system failure—and higher repair costs—later.

2. Weak or Inconsistent Airflow

Poor airflow often points to a clogged filter, failing blower motor, or duct obstruction. Beyond comfort issues, restricted airflow forces your AC to work harder, driving up energy bills across Fresno’s long cooling season.

3. Rapid On-Off Cycling (Short-Cycling)

An AC that starts and stops every few minutes wastes power and wears out components. Causes include incorrect system sizing, thermostat errors, and iced-over evaporator coils—issues our techs resolve daily in Clovis, Madera, and Visalia.

4. Unusual Noises—Grinding, Screeching, or Banging

No HVAC system is silent, but new metallic or banging sounds signal loose belts, failing bearings, or a damaged fan blade. Shut the unit off and call for service to avoid catastrophic compressor damage.

5. Musty or Burning Odors

A musty smell suggests biological growth on coils or inside ducts, common in our dusty agricultural region. A burning odor could indicate electrical shorts. Either way, turn the system off and book an inspection.

6. Unexplained Spikes in Energy Bills

Fresno County’s time-of-use utility rates already climb in peak hours; an inefficient AC adds insult to injury. If your PG&E bill suddenly jumps but usage habits haven’t changed, the unit may be low on refrigerant or have airflow issues.

7. Moisture or Puddles Around the Condenser

Excess condensation, clogged drain lines, or refrigerant leaks can create water damage or mold. A & G technicians carry the tools to unclog drains, patch leaks, and recharge refrigerant to EPA standards in a single visit.

Why Act Now—Before the 100 °F Days Arrive?

  • Shorter wait times: Schedules fill fast once the first heatwave hits Fresno, Clovis, and surrounding communities.

  • Lower repair costs: Early fixes prevent domino-effect damage to pricey components like compressors and fan motors.

  • Energy savings: A tuned system can cut cooling costs up to 15 %—important when Fresno averages 90+ cooling days per year.

Schedule AC Repair with A & G Heating & Air

We’re a veteran-owned, family-run team offering:

  • 24/7 emergency AC repair across Fresno, Tulare, Kings & Merced Counties
  • Bilingual technicians—¡Hablamos Español!
  • Flexible financing for major repairs or system replacements
  • Satisfaction guarantee on every service call

📞 Call 559-765-1467 or request a quote online today, and stay cool all summer long.