It could feel hotter than 110 degrees in SC soon. Here’s where to set your thermostat
It appears August wants to go out with a vengeance.
As South Carolina approaches the final days of August, temperatures are expected to jump into the triple digits — hitting a high of 100 degrees on Friday and 101 degrees on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service in West Columbia.
If Saturday does reach 101 degrees, it will match the hottest day so far this year for South Carolina, which was recorded on Aug. 15, said Chris Landolsi, meteorologist for the NWS in West Columbia.
But South Carolinians should also realize that those temperatures will only be the beginning of their misery. The heat index will make it feel even hotter.
“The heat index will be between 105 and 110 degrees on Friday and there’s a decent chance it will be above 110 degrees on Saturday,” Landolsi said.
Recommended thermostat setting
When temperatures soar, what’s the best setting for your home thermostat to stay relatively cool and not raise your power bill too much?
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your air conditioner to 78 degrees during the summer. The idea is that you’ll save 10% on your power bill for every degree you go above 78 degrees. Otherwise, you’ll spend 10% for every degree you go below 78 degrees.
Staying comfortable
Carolina Comfort Inc., a Columbia-based HVAC company, notes that 78 degrees can still fee muggy, particularly in places like the Midlands because of the high humidity.
“This is because the heating and cooling system simply will not run long enough to pull the humidity in the house down below 50% relative humidity, which is ideal for most people,” the company’s website states.
To counteract that feeling, the company suggests also running ceiling fans.
“By running the ceiling fans in your home, you will move the cool air around; also, the air movement will help eliminate hot and cold spots that can be present in the home,” the website states.
This story was originally published August 24, 2023 at 5:30 AM.
