Is Your Home's AC Setting Hurting Its Value?

Living in Charleston means charming streets, waterfront sunsets—and serious summer heat. With rising temps and humidity levels that can make even locals wilt, it’s not just your comfort that’s on the line: how you manage your air conditioning can impact both your energy bills and your home's long-term value.

As both a local and a real estate professional, I regularly hear homeowners ask, “What’s the best temperature to set my AC during a heat wave?” The answer? It’s a balance between comfort, efficiency, and protecting your home’s systems.

What’s the Ideal AC Temperature?

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the recommended indoor temperature during hot months is 78°F when you're home and 85°F when you're away. But in Charleston’s sweltering climate, that can feel unrealistic. Energy Star® guidelines agree but suggest adjusting based on your home’s specific insulation and air circulation.

In real terms:

• At Home? Aim for 76°F to 78°F.
• Away for the day? You can safely raise it to 82°F to 85°F.

Be cautious about setting it much lower. As Jennifer Amann, a senior fellow at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, explains: pushing your AC too hard in extreme heat doesn't cool your home faster—it just strains your system, increasing wear on your HVAC and driving up energy costs.

A Personal Note From Me

I’ll be the first to admit—I don’t always follow these recommendations in my own home. I’m extremely hot-natured, so our thermostat is typically set cooler than the experts recommend (I get it—you want to be comfortable). That said, we’ve taken steps to protect our system from the extra workload.

In my own home, we’re enrolled in a local HVAC maintenance program. What does that mean? Twice a year, a professional tech checks our system—once in May, just before summer hits, and again in September or October, after our system has worked overtime keeping us cool through Charleston’s brutal summer. Regular checkups help catch small issues before they become major (and expensive) problems.

If you’re like me and can’t handle a warm house, pairing lower temps with proactive HVAC care can help protect both your comfort and your system.

Why AC Settings Matter Beyond Comfort

Smart AC management helps you:

• Prevent Humidity Damage: Proper settings help reduce moisture buildup that can lead to warped floors, musty smells, or even mold—all things that hurt resale value.
• Extend System Lifespan: Overworking your HVAC can age it faster. Buyers notice (and ask about) older systems.
• Increase Energy Efficiency: Features like smart thermostats and energy-conscious habits are selling points in today’s market.

What I Advise My Charleston Clients

When showing homes, buyers notice more than just countertops and square footage. They pick up on air quality, humidity levels, and subtle signs of maintenance (or neglect). Keeping your HVAC system healthy not only protects your comfort—it protects your home's market appeal.

Quick Tips for Charleston Homeowners:

• Keep your thermostat set between 76°F and 78°F while home during the summer.
• Don’t overcool—protect your system from unnecessary strain.
• Consider enrolling in a biannual HVAC maintenance plan, especially if your system works overtime.
• Installing a smart thermostat can help improve energy efficiency—and appeal to future buyers.

Ready to Protect Your Home’s Value?

Small habits, like smart AC management, can make a real difference when it’s time to sell—or simply protect your home investment in Charleston’s heat and humidity. If you’re thinking about selling, buying, or just want honest advice about maintaining your property, I’m here as a resource.

Let’s talk about your goals—and how I can help you move forward.