Ideal Thermostat Settings for Day & Night

Summers in Northern Virginia, Washington, DC, and Maryland bring hot, humid weather that can make your air conditioner work harder than it needs to. To stay comfortable while lowering energy costs, it’s best to set your thermostat around 76–78°F during the day when you’re home and active. If you’ll be away for more than two hours, raising the temperature to 82–84°F can help balance comfort and savings. If you’re gone for longer periods, such as during workdays or vacations, increasing the setting to 85–88°F can reduce unnecessary cooling and cut costs by up to 10%.

How Smart Thermostats Help Save Money

If you don’t want the hassle of manual resets, smart thermostats can be a great option. They’ll automatically adjust the air conditioning to the right temperature based on your routine and location. Plus, you can control them from anywhere with your smartphone.

Tips To Reduce Summer Cooling Bills

Here are some practical tips to reduce your cooling costs: 

• Use ceiling fans to create a wind-chill effect. 

• Use window coverings to block heat. 

• Seal air leaks around windows and doors. 

• Schedule regular HVAC maintenance to ensure efficiency. 
• Use energy-efficient appliances and lighting. 

Thermostat Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes: 

• Setting the temperature too low, thinking it will cool the house faster. 

• Forgetting to adjust settings when leaving for extended periods. 

• Not using programmable features. 

• Constantly adjusting the temperature instead of setting it and leaving it. 

Air conditioners can only cool a home to 15 to 20 degrees below the outdoor temperature, so setting the thermostat too low will just waste energy. Avoid placing thermostats near direct sunlight, drafts, doorways, skylights, or windows, as these locations can affect accuracy of the reading. 

When To Call an HVAC Pro

If your AC isn’t cooling properly or you need annual maintenance, call in HVAC professionals like Capps Mechanical. We can install or help you upgrade to a more energy-efficient system. If you notice anything unusual, poor performance, or sudden spikes in bills, give us a call and we will troubleshoot it for you, and find the issue.  

For best results, schedule AC maintenance at least once per year, preferably in the spring months before peak summer demand. Regular maintenance can prevent system failures, extend the life of the unit, maintain indoor air quality, and reduce energy consumption. 

Stay Cool and Save with Capps Mechanical

For even better efficiency, upgrading to a smart thermostat allows you to automatically adjust settings based on your schedule. Pairing this with a seasonal AC tune-up from Capps Mechanical ensures your cooling system runs smoothly, keeps your home comfortable, and helps you save money throughout the hottest months. 

Book a consultation today and let our AC repair experts pay a visit to your premises.