Your home is where you should feel most comfortable no matter what the weather might be doing outside. Still, when extreme heat or cold settles into upstate South Carolina, it can be challenging to know how best to combat uncomfortable temperatures while still being energy-efficient.

In this blog, we help homeowners understand the ideal thermostat temperature in their homes during the hottest and coldest days of the year. We’ll also explain what you should do if your HVAC equipment struggles to maintain the ideal temperature in your home.

Ideal Thermostat Temperatures in the Greenville Area

Knowing what temperature to set your thermostat to largely depends on the time of year. With careful planning and understanding, homeowners can keep their homes comfortable all year long, no matter what’s happening outside. 

Ideal Winter Temperature Settings

In upstate South Carolina, winters are mild, with high temperatures averaging about 50 degrees F during the day and 32 degrees at night. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners should set their thermostats to 68 degrees during the day to remain comfortable in winter. At night, it’s recommended that your thermostat be turned down below 68 degrees to help save on heating expenses. 

Another good rule of thumb that homeowners can use is setting their thermostats to be 25 degrees warmer than the temperature outside. For instance, if the temperature outdoors is 45 degrees, setting your thermostat to 70 degrees will keep your home comfortable while saving money and energy. Remember, most people feel comfortable in temperatures between 63 to 72 degrees, so aim to keep your home heating between these temperatures during the winter. 

Summertime Thermostat Settings 

While 68 degrees is the ideal winter temperature, the DOE states that setting your home to 78 degrees in the summer is perfect. With average daily highs ranging from 87 degrees to 91 degrees during South Carolina summers, setting your thermostat to 78 degrees provides the ideal cooling comfort without breaking the bank. 

Just like you should drop your thermostat at night during the winter, the DOE recommends raising your thermostat temperature at night during the summer. Since your body temperature naturally drops while you sleep, you won’t need the extra air conditioning power. 

What To Do if Your HVAC Has Trouble Maintaining Your Temperature Settings

In some cases, your HVAC equipment may fail to maintain the ideal indoor temperature for your home. There are a few troubleshooting methods you can try to alleviate the issue when this happens: 

  • Replace air filters: Clogged air filters can cause your thermostat to struggle to meet the set temperature. Clean or replace your air filters at least once every 90 days to prevent this problem.
  • Reboot your thermostat: If you notice any issues with your thermostat freezing, try switching off the device for at least 10 seconds. After 10 seconds, turn the thermostat back on to see if the problem is resolved.
  • Replace/relocate your thermostat: Whether your thermostat is too old or placed in a compromising location in your home, replacing or relocating the device can help resolve many typical thermostat issues.

Choose Preferred Home Services for Your Home’s HVAC Needs

In addition to setting the right temperature and general care for your HVAC system, it’s also crucial to schedule maintenance and repairs for your heating and cooling system. Over time, when your system needs replacement or servicing, trust Preferred Home Services. As Greenville’s Preferred HVAC Specialists, we offer emergency services to restore your home’s total comfort in no time.

Call (864) 206-5620 or contact us online for reliable HVAC maintenance and repair services in Greenville, SC, today!