Set AC a few degrees higher. Cheap or frugal?

getforfree · #1 (**permalink**) 06-18-2006, 04:18 PM

When it gets to more than 80 degrees inside of the house, I would close my windows and run my fans and turn the AC on for 78 or 79 degrees. When it's windy outside, I would still keep my windows open until it gets about 83 degrees.

The best comfortable temperature for me would be 75 degrees, but I go for less comfortable 79 to save a few dollars. Would you call it cheap or frugal?

The reason I am asking is because one of my so-called friends who always complains that she doesn't have money, said that I am cheap because I am doing that and that it would cost me only $20 a month to be more comfortable.

cschin4 · #2 (**permalink**) 06-18-2006, 04:41 PM

I have seasonal allergies so I don't open the windows in the spring. And, my house gets pretty warm and stuffy without the AC on. But, I tried to save money by turning the heat down last winter but found that I really didn't save all that much and was uncomfortable most of the time. Sorry, but I am going to be comfortable in my home. I am not jumping on the bandwagon of turning the AC up and the heat down. If I can't afford to heat and cool my house then I will consider selling and getting something smaller.
I set my thermostat at a comfortable temp for me. But, I prefer it about 72-74 in the house.

getforfree · #3 (**permalink**) 06-18-2006, 05:22 PM

I can afford to cool and heat my house, but I don't want to spend too much. If I can afford to spend extra $20 every month on my electricity bill, it doen't mean I will do it if it's not absolutelly necessary. But I rather choose to add it to my EF, that if something happens I wouldn't have to borrow money and pay interest on it. Or I can add it as an extra payment towards my mortgage and pay less interest over time.

shengmei · #4 (**permalink**) 06-18-2006, 05:25 PM

It is better for the skin to set the AC higher, because AC takes moisture out of the air.

BCHGRL · #5 (**permalink**) 06-18-2006, 06:29 PM

Frugal = you keep it as hot or cold as you like but no one else suffers
Cheap = you have guests and they are uncomfortable

I could probably save some money by no using my thermostat as frequently as I do. However, considering I have to spend 40+ hours a week in a frigid environment that I cannot control (aka work), spending a few extra $$s to heat or cool my home to my satisfaction is worth it to me.

Tree0164 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-19-2006, 02:51 AM

It is frugal. However if you are really uncomfortable adjust it.

PrincessPerky · #7 (**permalink**) 06-19-2006, 08:04 AM

We turn our air on for company if we have to but other than that it is well over 80 most days, will be till July 4th..I suppose we could afford it higher, but then we would have less to put torwards our EF/house.

It is frugal IMO but since you have to use tax assistance I don't think you can afford cooler house...

markio26 · #8 (**permalink**) 06-19-2006, 09:05 AM

we have not used the air this year yet... all the windows and fans are going constantly, we have a shaded treed front and back lawn... i love it when i don't have to pay for air and heat.....

boefixepa · #9 (**permalink**) 06-19-2006, 09:18 AM

I haven't turned the AC on yet, and am trying to put it off for as long as possible, but it's just me. I know that if my mom comes to visit or something like that I'd have to break down and turn it on. I don't do it because I can't afford to, I do it because I can. I'm the same way with the heat. I can deal with it down to 55 degrees. My high point in the house is about 87. More than that and I feel hot just sitting watching TV. So far it doesn't hit that until just about the turning point when it starts cooling off and I tuff out the 1-2 hours before it starts cooling off. I don't know that the $20.00 is all that much, but I like the idea of making myself acclimate to the seasons. That way I can always enjoy being outside regardless of the temp. I like being outside more in the winter than summer anyway...no bugs, being able to move and work without sweating to death, and not having to worry about the dogs overheating...I am a winter lover at heart!

tgavin71 · #10 (**permalink**) 06-19-2006, 06:57 PM

We don't have an airconditioner. We looked at getting a reverse cycle model for the reno but it was going to cost us $3,700 to install and around $380 a year. So we are just using ceiling fans now. During summer temperatures get to up to 110.

kealina · #11 (**permalink**) 06-20-2006, 09:03 PM

frugal since it helps us get to sleep so we are awake and productive during the day... the cold also helps keep my eczema from flaring up and DH's skin from certain problems too... it would be a bigger pain to have to deal with those flare-ups than the extra cost of the AC running for a few hours....

getforfree · #12 (**permalink**) 06-24-2006, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrincessPerky

It is frugal IMO but since you have to use tax assistance I don't think you can afford cooler house...

I use everything possible that I can qualify for. I do get 30% off my electric bill because of low income. If next year they won't raise the level, I might not qualify.

Our net worth is more than 130K now including equity, cars (all bought with cash), and savings. All because I don't throw $20 here and $30 there, I save it instead.

Ima saver · #13 (**permalink**) 06-24-2006, 03:18 PM

I tried to be more frugal this winter cause the cost of propane doubled last year. I am keeping the house a little more warmer this summer, just to save a few dollars. I made sure it is comfortable when my husband gets home and when we are sleeping.

cschin4 · #14 (**permalink**) 06-25-2006, 05:08 AM

I think we need to plant more trees. Too many trees are cut down when building homes. A large tree near the home provides alot of cooling and shade.

Ima saver · #15 (**permalink**) 06-25-2006, 09:26 AM

You are right, we really value trees. When we built on the river, we put the house in between the trees. When we moved here, the first thing we did was plant trees.

getforfree · #16 (**permalink**) 06-25-2006, 09:30 AM

We planted a few but they are really small, less than 5 ft.

PrincessPerky · #17 (**permalink**) 06-26-2006, 04:43 AM

ILs were here last night, I turned the air on for them (is expensive, but hey it's family)

Then as soon as they walked out the door I turned it up to 80, they will be back today (maybe) so I don't want the air to work to hard to get it back down, but I also do not want to pay to need to use a blanket!

notmadeofmoney · #18 (**permalink**) 06-26-2006, 08:08 AM

It's really hot where we are so we keep the thermostat at around 78. If we have company, we'll turn it down. We need to plant more trees because the house takes the direct sun all day..

Ima saver · #19 (**permalink**) 06-26-2006, 08:09 AM

I am keeping mine at 76 downstairs and yesterday , it did not run at all.

arg1211 · #20 (**permalink**) 06-26-2006, 11:21 AM

I would see pushing the thermostat up as being frugal unless you have folks in your house who can't take the heat.

I have a thyroid condition, and one of the little known issues for thyroid patients is temperature intollerance. Some days I'll be fine sitting or walking outside in 99 degree weather. Another day, I'll be panting and lethargic when its 82. It all depends on the circumstances.

Right now, I'm fighting the good fight with our roommate, who likes keeping it roughtly 62 in the house. Its a passive-aggressive thing lately, with us adjusting the AC whenever we walk by the thermostat. I'm sorry, but I should not have to wear a sweater, socks and jeans in my house in the middle of June. Its ridiculous.