Set AC a few degrees higher. Cheap or frugal?

**cschin4** · 06-18-2006, 03:41 PM

Re: Set AC a few degrees higher. Cheap or frugal?

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** · 06-18-2006, 04:22 PM

Re: Set AC a few degrees higher. Cheap or frugal?

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** · 06-18-2006, 04:25 PM

Re: Set AC a few degrees higher. Cheap or frugal?

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

**BCHGRL** · 06-18-2006, 05:29 PM

Re: Set AC a few degrees higher. Cheap or frugal?

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** · 06-19-2006, 01:51 AM

Re: Set AC a few degrees higher. Cheap or frugal?

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

**PrincessPerky** · 06-19-2006, 07:04 AM

Re: Set AC a few degrees higher. Cheap or frugal?

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** · 06-19-2006, 08:05 AM

Re: Set AC a few degrees higher. Cheap or frugal?

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** · 06-19-2006, 08:18 AM

Re: Set AC a few degrees higher. Cheap or frugal?

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** · 06-19-2006, 05:57 PM

Re: Set AC a few degrees higher. Cheap or frugal?

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** · 06-20-2006, 08:03 PM

Re: Set AC a few degrees higher. Cheap or frugal?

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** · 06-24-2006, 02:09 PM

Re: Set AC a few degrees higher. Cheap or frugal?

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** · 06-24-2006, 02:18 PM

Re: Set AC a few degrees higher. Cheap or frugal?

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** · 06-25-2006, 04:08 AM

Re: Set AC a few degrees higher. Cheap or frugal?

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** · 06-25-2006, 08:26 AM

Re: Set AC a few degrees higher. Cheap or frugal?

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.

Set AC a few degrees higher. Cheap or frugal?