for those that are setting thier a/c on 78,76, and even 74- how big is your house and what are your bills running?
We've been lucky- VERY lucky in Az that there isn't humidity in the spring, and we haven't hit 100 degrees yet. I've been pretty much opening the windows at night to get cool air, then closing them up tight in the day to keep the cool air trapped in.
around 92 degrees outside, I find it's getting warm in the house, so I turn on the A/c so we can sleep. I'll fling open the windows agian around midnight.
In the summer, when there is never an option of open windows ( gets 115 degrees here) I play around with our "time advantage" meaning the electric company gives us cheaper rates from 9pm to 9 am. So at 9 pm the a/c goes to 78 or 79. and then in the morning before 9 , I'll put the air at about 76, cool off the house, and then at 9, I set it at 83 if we are home, and 85 if we aren't. Then at 9 pm, I lower it down again. By having the house at 76 degrees , then setting the temp to 83- the A/c often won't come on for hours. I'm hoping by not having it running in the heat of the day, during peak times, I'm saving. Not sure?? It always comes on around dinner time though.
I have no idea if this saves money or not, but I'm the only one in my area that had 300.00 electric bills last summer, and all my friends had 4 or 500.00 electric bills.
I also have a pool to run, face east west, have a fridge and freezer in the western facing garage, and have a 2 story house.
I'm very envious of the folks that can keep thiers set at 74 and afford it. I would do that if I suddenly became rich.
you guys must have cheaper electric rates.
) and the AC has been staying off most of the time. DH and I both work, so I have been keeping all of the blinds closed during the day. With all of that being said, our power bill last month was $128.07. Once we hit our 100 degree temps, I hope to keep our bill around $300. Like I said, we don't use our upstairs. Geez...I can only imagine how this is going to jump once the kiddos get here. That's why I am really stocking up on these tips now! 
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