You’ve all become familiar with my quest for saving money. Ok…so I’m becoming a tight-wad. In these difficult economic times, I think it’s acceptable.
We hang our clothes on lines that we’ve strung across the garage, we’re careful to turn off lights and fans when leaving the room, and – most importantly – I keep the thermostat set at 83 degrees during the day.
Say what?
That’s right…I figure if we’re going to freeze during the winter, we might as well sweat during the summer.
My efforts are paying off. The electric bill for May was $99.xx. June’s was $129.xx. However a little something changed between June and July. Or rather, a “someone” decided he wasn’t sleeping well at night, so he started turning the air down three degrees.
No big deal, he figured. I’ve been turning it back up as soon as I roll out of bed in the mornings. Of course, some days that’s not until 10am…adding up to about ten hours of extra cooling time.
The Mr. did not seem all that concerned.
Until the bill arrived this morning.
$198.xx.
It went up by $70.
I realize the increase might not be entirely due to the air conditioner being turned down at night, but I think it was the main reason for it. After all, we’ve begun monitoring the length of time spent in the shower. Chicky and I take lukewarm showers because it’s so hot here.
We have been cooking more, but I still don’t think it’s enough to account for a $70 increase.
When the Mr. told me about the bill, I nearly went ballistic. He’s in the dog house…a very hot one to boot.
I don’t know what we’re going to do, but I just can’t forsee us continuing in this manner. We’re all going to have to suck it up. We’re fortunate that we have the technology to cool us off at our whim…unlike settlers of old. Of course, times were very hard back then, and I can only imagine how miserable it must have been to live in Florida without central air.
Who would have thought that three degrees would make such a difference.
Now we know.
Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: air conditioning, Saving Money |
AuburnChick's Adventures 
I cant believe it made that much difference!!!
You are a strong strong woman!! I would be suffocating! But lately, I have been leaving ours on 80 degrees, but have fans on everywhere – does that defeat the electric purpose though? mmmm….
Maybe all the money you’re saving on the grocery game will cover that additional electric bill cost.
I would love it if the money we’re saving would mean I could work fewer days per week. I am LOVING being home again!!