Uncategorized

In Wilmington, NC, finding the right thermostat setting can be challenging due to the region’s hot, humid climate. This article offers practical guidance on how to achieve the perfect balance between comfort and energy efficiency.

For summer, set your thermostat to 78°F when home and 80°F when away to balance comfort with energy savings. At night, aim for 72°F to 78°F. In winter, maintain 68°F when home and reduce it to 64°F when away or sleeping. During fluctuating spring and fall temperatures, adjust your thermostat to match the outdoor weather, typically around 68°F in cooler times and mid to high 70s when it’s warmer. Remember, humidity control is crucial in Wilmington’s climate.

Continue reading for more detailed tips on thermostat settings specific to each season, considerations for different types of residences, and additional strategies to maximize comfort while minimizing energy costs.

DID YOU KNOW?

You can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling if you turn your thermostat back 7°F to 10°F from its normal setting for 8 hours each day.

– U.S. Department of Energy

To save energy and avoid overworking your air conditioner, set your thermostat as close to the outdoor temperature as is safe and pleasant.

When you’re at home, shoot for 78°F. For most people, this temperature will keep the air cool enough to remain comfortable, while significantly reducing your electric bill.

When you’re away, set your thermostat no higher than 80°F. You will see some recommendations to turn your thermostat up to 88°F or even switch it off completely. But in humid climates like Wilmington’s, the temperature needs to be a little lower to prevent mildew, mold, and other problems that come from high moisture. Avoid turning off your air conditioner entirely, even if you are away.

When you’re sleeping, keep temperatures between 72°F and 78°F. Most people prefer a lower nighttime setting for better sleep. But try to stay as close to 78°F as possible.

Does 78°F sound too high? It’s important to choose a setting that is right for YOUR family. Experiment with your thermostat to see what your family can handle comfortably.

NOTE FOR WILMINGTON HOMEOWNERS: Keep a close eye on your home’s humidity levels. Not only does your air conditioner cool your home, but it also acts as a dehumidifier. You may need to lower your indoor temperature to keep humidity levels within the EPA’s recommended 30% to 50% range.

Wilmington, NC winters never get too cold, so maintaining comfortable winter temperatures shouldn’t be very difficult. But you can still save money with a few small changes.

When you’re at home, keep your home at 68°F. This is about as low as most people can comfortably set their thermostat during chilly winter months.

When you’re away or sleeping, reduce temperatures to as low as 64°F. The World Health Organization suggests going no lower than that. This is especially important for high humidity areas here in coastal NC, as the mixture of humidity and cool temperatures can cause respiratory problems.

This is where it gets a little tricky. Some years, Wilmington’s “fall” seems to last about 1 week  and most of the season feels like an extension of summer. Whereas, spring temperatures can fluctuate from the 40s up to the 80s.

The best thing you can do is stay ahead of the weather forecast and try to match the outdoor temperature as closely as possible. When temperatures dip, set your thermostat to 68°F. But when the heat inevitably returns, keep it in the mid to high 70s.

If you have an infant, many sources recommend keeping your home (or at least the infant’s bedroom) between 68°F and 72°F.

And don’t forget about your pets! Cats are generally comfortable with temperatures as high as 85°F and as low as 70°F. However, dogs – like humans – have a much lower heat tolerance. If you have a dog at home, you’ll want to set your thermostat between 75°F and 78°F in the summer and 68°F to 72°F in the winter.

Thermostat control works differently in a house than in an apartment complex. And it gets even more challenging to maintain ideal temperatures across commercial facilities.

While homeowners have complete control of their thermostat, this is not always the case for renters. To regulate the heating and cooling of large, multi-story apartment buildings, landlords often choose two setpoints: a minimum and a maximum. The renter can change the temperature of their unit within that range. This puts a limit on the amount of energy savings renters can earn.

For commercial buildings, business owners should follow the same guidelines for homeowners listed above. But, since you may be heating or cooling a larger space, your HVAC will have to work harder to maintain the right temperature.

If 78°F just feels too HOT, try these cooling techniques:

  • Use ceiling fans and window coverings
  • Keep insulation up to snuff
  • Make sure your vents aren’t blocked
  • Practice smart cooking (avoid the oven and stove during the hottest times of the day)
  • Wear appropriate clothing
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Install your thermostat in the right location (on an interior wall out of direct sunlight)
  • Consider a programmable thermostat
  • Set your thermostat fan to “Auto”
  • Invest in a more energy-efficient heating and cooling system
  • Schedule regular HVAC service

On the flip side, you can use the methods below to keep your body temperature in check on chilly winter days:

  • Wear lots of layers
  • Get some cozy blankets
  • Drink lots of warm beverages
  • Spend quality time upstairs (since warm air rises)
  • Keep your heart rate up
  • Maintain your home’s insulation
  • Reverse your ceiling fan blades to the “winter” setting
  • Trap in more humidity by not using your bathroom fan
  • Cook at home with your oven and stove
  • Schedule regular heating system service

Routine maintenance is one of the best ways to make sure your heating and cooling systems work efficiently. If preventative HVAC care  is not a part of your yearly home maintenance plan, we can help!

READ MORE:

Thermostat Setting FAQs


A common recommended thermostat setting for summer is around 78°F when someone is home. This setting can help balance comfort and energy efficiency, especially in hot and humid climates where the air conditioner also helps manage indoor moisture.


A common winter thermostat setting is around 68°F when someone is home. Lowering the temperature a few degrees while sleeping or away can help reduce energy use, but the setting should still keep the home safe and comfortable.


In humid climates, it is usually better to raise the thermostat instead of turning the AC off completely. Keeping the system running at a higher temperature can help control humidity, reduce moisture buildup, and prevent the home from becoming too hot while still saving energy.


For AC energy efficiency, set the thermostat as high as comfortably possible during the summer and avoid large temperature swings. Using ceiling fans, closing blinds, keeping vents clear, and scheduling HVAC maintenance can also help the system cool more efficiently.


The best nighttime thermostat setting depends on the season and household comfort. Many people prefer a slightly cooler setting while sleeping, such as the low to mid 70s in summer or the mid 60s in winter, as long as the home remains comfortable and humidity is controlled.


Yes. A faulty thermostat, poor thermostat placement, wiring issue, or incorrect settings can cause short cycling, uneven temperatures, poor cooling, or an HVAC system that does not turn on when expected. Thermostat repair or replacement may be needed if settings and system performance do not match.

Helpful Thermostat & HVAC Resources

Schedule HVAC or Thermostat Service in Wilmington, NC

If your thermostat settings are not keeping your home comfortable, your HVAC system may need maintenance, repair, or updated controls. Professional service can help improve comfort, efficiency, and humidity control.

Book Online

Meet the Author
Brian Cresswell
Brian Cresswell

Director of Revenue Operations

company icon