I keep mine at 78 and use ceiling fans. I live in fear of my last
electricity bill because I realized when I got home that before the trip I
had temporarily set the thermostat at 76, and then forgot to change it
back. My last electricity bill was over $145, and that's at a rate of 12.8
cents per KWh.
It takes a lot to cool a house down here when someone turns
up the sun. Keep in mind, this is a relatively small house with the latest
radiant barrier, ridge vent, etc. It all helps a lot, but I can't escape
the fact that it's hot, really hot.
On the plus side, my natural gas bill was only $27. It'll go up to $60 or
so in the winter.
