We're not in the south but we did have a couple of days that were close to 80 degrees. (and I'm having hot flashes like nobody's business!) We haven't put the ac on yet. (trying to hold out as long as possible) When we do put it on, it's usually set between 76 - 78. I wish we had a ceiling fan in our bedroom.

We do 72 during the day and 70 at night. What I have been doing that seems to save a few hours of use in the morning is to have my husband turn it off when he leaves for work (around 5 am), then I usually dont get to hot until around 11am, sometimes later.
Also, when I go out I turn it off if the temp outside is less than 80. If its more, then I change the thermostat to like 77.

I live in Atlanta and it sure can get HOT here. I save money by hanging out in my basement where its much much cooler. (Also helps that I have my home office and media room down here!!)

I have a programable thermostat for both AC units for the house (one upstairs and one for downstairs/basement) I fluctuate the temperature depending on the time of day -- trying to make it a little cooler right before bedtime upstairs where the beds are (about 75), and then right before dinner on the main level (about 76). Otherwise I keep it set near 78 or 79 degrees.

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Grace

Wife to Stoney

Mommy of Sarah (8.5), Hannah (7), and John(4.5)

Oh another trick -- hang out outside in the heat -- then when you come in -- even if its 80 degrees it just seems cooler!!

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Grace

Wife to Stoney

Mommy of Sarah (8.5), Hannah (7), and John(4.5)

LOL But so true!

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"A Father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families…"
Psalm 68:5-6a

I just started using our A/C a few days ago. It's been in the high 80's and low 90's this week. I keep it at 82 during the day and the I turn it off at night when the temps get below 80 and open the windows. I use my box fan at the sliding door to bring in the cool air. We also use the ceiling fans.

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Today was the first day we've ran the AC this year...the heat index is over 100!!!! I was feeling guilty for running it--It's only set at 80!

I was so proud of myself b/c I got our water & electric (they're together here) down to $110 last month...hmmm...maybe I can make up for my added electric expense by refusing to do the laundry!

Right now, I have mine set at 80 degrees. It's been running in the low to mid 90's outside, with humidity, and we can't stand to not have it on.

Ours is program to come on at 3 it is usually set around 74, depends on if I have a hot flash and then it gets bumped down to 69!

We do keep the blinds close during the day and that helps keep the heat out!

And we grill out and cook the veg. on the side burner so that helps keep the heat down too.

Once the hot weather sets in, we keep our A/C set to 78, day and night. We also run the ceiling fans to help cool things off.

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