How can i save on electricity with my central air?

Question

i was told to leave my a/c on 80 degrees, but i noticed when it's on that it goes on and off so frequently, isn't that pulling energy and will raise the price. I am just wanting to save in electric bill with the raising gas prices and oil prices making FLORIDA charge an extra 15% on our electric utilities. Please advise of what is a good temperature to leave my thermostat that will not be so costly. FYI i am on the 2nd floor of a two story building.

Answer 1

By room darkener shades for all windows or use heavy drapes too keep the sun out.

Answer 2

The warmer you can bear, the less the unit runs, the less it costs........A/C burns a lot of power....

Blinds to keep the sun out help keep interior temps down.

Small low powered fans help.

Try to think of novel ways to keep cool besides running the ac.

The number the unit is set at is irrelevant.

Answer 3

My hubz n' I have the same dillema, a/c is the number one item that raises our electricity bill. so here are some things we do...We've invested in a ceiling fan in the bedroom. Helps alot.  My hubz must have the a/c on at night to sleep well so that's the only time we have it on.  We turn the a/c off during the day. To survive during the day we plan on buying another fan, a mobile one.  In our old apartment, we never had to turn on our a/c during the day coz the ceiling fan was adequate.