A cold snap is headed for SC soon. Here’s where to set your thermostat to save money
South Carolinians should probably start pulling their jackets out of storage.
A cold snap is forecast to hit South Carolina next week, bringing with it the lowest temperatures of the fall season so far this year, according to the National Weather Service and the Weather Channel.
Forecasts as of Thursday show that temperatures across much of South Carolina will reach highs of only 60 degrees on Wednesday next week. Meanwhile, the lows will drop to around 41 degrees. Similar temperatures are expected through the rest of next week.
With more chilly weather on the way, residents will soon have to switch the heat on in their homes.
But what’s the best temperature to set your thermostat to save the most money during the frosty fall and winter months in South Carolina?
Recommended Thermostat Setting
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to around 68 degrees to 70 degrees while you’re awake and setting it lower while you’re asleep or away from home to save energy in the winter.
“During winter, the lower the interior temperature, the slower the heat loss. So the longer your house remains at the lower temperature, the more energy you save, because your house has lost less energy than it would have at the higher temperature,” the Department of Energy states.
Staying Comfortable
Carolina Comfort Inc., a Columbia-based HVAC company, notes that 68 degrees is a great temperature to target, since it’s warm enough to keep most people from shivering, while still low enough to avoid wasting money or straining your heater.
“Too much strain could lead you to install a new heating system,” Carolina Comfort states.
Energy Saving Tips
Dominion Energy has several tips to help South Carolinians save money on their power bills over the fall and winter.
- Limit the use of electric space heaters for supplemental heating
- Get an HVAC tuneup annually
- Change filters monthly or when dirty
- Set your water heater to “warm” or 120 degrees
- Check ductwork for leaks/tears and repair as needed
This story was originally published October 27, 2023 at 6:00 AM with the headline "A cold snap is headed for SC soon. Here’s where to set your thermostat to save money."
