You need to run it some, or you'll get mildew on some fabrics and wooden furniture--a real pain--don't let it start.

Major necessity!! I bless the inventor each time I come in from outdoors into an air conditioned room.
Our home is pretty shady so we keep the main AC unit on 76 and it feels pretty cool.

I posted earlier that i keep mine at 78 when we are home. Yes I would like it cooler at times and could afford the cost, but my environmental concerns keep me at 78..not off..but at 78. So to you who like to be cold, no I don't want a medal, I just want a livable planet for our children.

http://saveenergy.about.com/od/homecooling/tp/CoolingCosts.htm

"6. Set the Thermostat to the Best Temperature
Turning your thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit is the best setting for your air conditioner during warmer months. Reducing your home's temperature 72 degrees Fahrenheit could increase your cooling costs 12 to 47 percent. Also remember, setting it really low at first will not help your home cool faster. It will use more energy and if your forget to adjust it, you will be running far less efficiently than you think."

http://news.consumerreports.org/home/2010/07/ideal-temperature-for-air-conditioning-78-degrees-heat-wave-best-air-conditioners-review.html

http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/space_heating_cooling/index.cfm/mytopic=12720


Google it folks... over and over again you will see that the recommended setting for AC is 78.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:holy shit -- we keep ours at 70-72. and i don't know a single soul who keeps it any higher. i grew up with it at 68. ours has been on for months (off and on.) who are you people?

I'd happily hang out at your house, and you'd like mine.

Me three! 69

we keep ours at 82. we signed up for the pepco discount and free thermostat because we knew it would be easy for us to live warmer.
I think we are a bit spoiled. low 80s is fine.

I live in an old but lovely large apartment in Glover Park. We have window air conditioners. Last night I tried sleeping with just a fan aimed at me. I woke at 4 a.m. totally sweaty and with damp sheets. Screw that. Shut the window, turned on the AC. MUCH better. For restorative sleep, I think one must have AC. Bedrooms are supposed to be cool at night (I think 68 degrees is the recommended temp).

I've been leaving our windows open at night but the pollen is killing me. I've turned it on for a few hrs during the day for the last few days b/c the humidity is just too high. I wouldn't say it is a necessity at this time of year but it is in the summer here. The humidity is ridiculous!

Without A/C, you are risking mold growth/build up in your house. Mold carries not only health risks, but it can damage your house. Houses today are built on the assumption that you will use the A/C. Think of it as a really big dehumidifier.

Some health conditions are made worse by heat. A/C is definitely a necessity for those with asthma, MS, etc. I cannot imagine going without it during high pollen counts, when I have to use an inhaler to be outside for more than 2 minutes.

We keep ours at 74. We can't open the windows b/c I have very bad allergies. I am also due with my second child in late August, and if I need to turn the A/C down to 72 at any point, I will not feel the least bit guilty about it!!!

Throwing your money away.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:holy shit -- we keep ours at 70-72. and i don't know a single soul who keeps it any higher. i grew up with it at 68. ours has been on for months (off and on.) who are you people?

I'd happily hang out at your house, and you'd like mine.

I was starting to think I was unusual! I like mine at 68... Now if only I could stop my DH from raising the temperature because he is freezing.

Anonymous wrote:We always get a huge giggle when listening to those people who act like they should be awarded a medal because they keep their heat SO low in the winter and their A/C SO high in the summer. Oh, how tough you are!! Give me a break. You have heat and A/C for a reason. Be comfy.

+1

Got my upstairs unit set at 69 and no one in my house is complaining! Not even my string bean DS.

We keep ours at 74 and have had it on many times this year already. it's partially a safety issue. We can't have our child's window open at night because it backs to an unsafe alley so the AC is on at night when it's even a little warm.

Anonymous wrote:holy shit -- we keep ours at 70-72. and i don't know a single soul who keeps it any higher. i grew up with it at 68. ours has been on for months (off and on.) who are you people?

I'd happily hang out at your house, and you'd like mine.