The coldest weather of winter coming to SC soon. Here’s where to set your thermostat to save money
Some South Carolinians may want to pull their extra blankets out of storage.
South Carolina may soon experience the coldest weather it’s had this winter, as temperatures are expected to plummet over the next few days, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasts as of Tuesday show that temperatures across much of the state will reach highs in the low 40s and lows in the 20s on Wednesday. However, that’s just a preview of even colder weather to come.
The state will have slightly warmer highs in the 50s on Thursday and Friday, but still lows in the 20s.
However on Saturday, highs are not expected to break out of the 30s — with lows in the bone-chilling teens, the NWS states. Sunday is predicted to be nearly as frigid, with highs in the low 40s and lows again in the teens.
Thermostat setting in SC
With frosty temperatures on the way, residents will be tempted to crank up the heat in their homes. However, all that extra heat won’t be cheap.
What’s actually the best temperature to set your thermostat to save the most money during this extra cold weather?
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to around 68 degrees or 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 this 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
