There’s no mistaking a Lowcountry summer. The air is thick, the sun is relentless, and you’ll likely be covered in sweat if you step outside for more than five minutes. It’s the season of afternoon thunderstorms, saltwater breezes, and sky-high energy bills if you’re not careful with your A/C. The good news is that with a few simple adjustments, you can stay cool and comfortable in your South Carolina home without letting your utility run rampant.
In this blog, our dedicated Charleston HVAC service team will explore some of the best A/C settings and strategies to keep your space cool, literally and financially.
1. The Sweet Spot: 78°F When You’re Home
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 78°F is the recommended thermostat setting for optimal comfort and efficiency during the summer. We get it—if you’re used to 72°F, that might sound warm. But thanks to humidity in the Lowcountry, setting your A/C too low can overwork the system and cost you more in the long run without providing better comfort.
If 78°F feels too warm, try bumping up the temperature slowly over a few days so your body can adjust. Use ceiling fans to help circulate air.
2. When You’re Away: 85°F Is Just Fine
There’s no need to keep your house chilly when no one’s home. Setting your thermostat to 85°F when you’re out for the day helps conserve energy and gives your system a much-needed break. You can even go a few degrees higher when heading out for vacation.
A programmable or smart thermostat makes this super simple. You can set your schedule once and forget it—or adjust it remotely from your phone if your plans change.
3. Let Your Ceiling Fans Help Out
Here’s the Lowcountry trick to making 78°F feel like 72°F: ceiling fans. Fans don’t lower the temperature but create a wind-chill effect that helps your body feel cooler. That means you can raise your thermostat a few degrees without sacrificing comfort. Remember to turn fans off when you leave the room—they cool people, not spaces.
4. Lower the Humidity = Lower the Temperature
Humidity is the real challenge here in South Carolina. Even if your thermostat says 75°F, if the humidity is high, your home will still feel sticky and uncomfortable. That’s why your A/C should do more than just cool—it should dehumidify, too.
If your system isn’t keeping humidity in check, it could be undersized, aging, or needing maintenance. For ideal comfort and efficiency, we recommend keeping indoor humidity between 30% and 50%. Adding a whole-home dehumidifier can also make a big difference during peak summer months.
5. Nighttime Cooling: A Small Dip Goes a Long Way
At night, temperatures in the Lowcountry tend to drop just enough to offer some relief. You can usually set your thermostat 2–4 degrees higher while you sleep and use fans or open windows (if it’s not too humid) to stay comfortable.
Alternatively, if you sleep better in cooler temperatures, lower the thermostat slightly—just remember to return it to energy-saving mode during the day.
6. Maintain Your A/C for Peak Performance
No matter what temperature you set, your HVAC equipment must be in top shape to run efficiently. Summer heat seriously strains HVAC units, so a quick tune-up before the season kicks in can go a long way in lowering bills and preventing breakdowns. At Prestige Heating & Air, we check refrigerant levels, clean coils, inspect ductwork, and ensure your system runs at full capacity.
7. Consider Upgrading Your Thermostat
It might be time to upgrade if you’re still adjusting your thermostat manually. Smart thermostats like Nest or Ecobee can “learn” your habits and adjust settings automatically. Some even take the weather forecast into account. Over time, these little changes add to actual savings—especially during the South Carolina summer.
Stay Cool and Save Money with Prestige Heating and Air Conditioning in Charleston, SC
Beating the Lowcountry heat doesn’t have to mean abusing your budget. By finding the proper air conditioning system settings, using fans wisely, and making smart, energy-efficient upgrades, you can enjoy a cool, comfortable summer while controlling those energy bills. Need help fine-tuning your system or upgrading your thermostat? Prestige Heating & Air is here for you.
From Mount Pleasant to Summerville and everywhere in between, our professional air conditioning service is here to help Lowcountry families stay cool without compromise. Whether you need an HVAC system inspection, preventative maintenance, or HVAC repair, our expert technicians are the team to trust. Reach out today.
