I’ve been keeping my thermostat on 75. I’m comfortable at 75. It’s where I like it. I tried turning it up to 80 one day when I was feeling particularly fervent about energy savings, and I thought I would expire on the spot. 80 is not comfortable as an indoor temp even if you are wearing shorts.
I just read an article, though, that said you are a real jerk if you keep your thermostat any lower than 80 in the summer. It said ceiling fans use far less electricity than air conditioning; therefore, responsible people turn the thermostats up and the fans on.
I’m going to give it a try. I can see where this might result in real energy savings. No way am I going to turn on the oven when it is 80 degrees in the house, nor am I likely to expend any energy of any sort on the treadmill. And I don’t see myself turning on a light unless it is absolutely necessary.
The savings could truly mushroom from here.
The fact is we could all stand toughening up. We’re spoiled. We’re weak. We think our excesses are necessities.
That’s what I’m telling myself as I push the thermostat up this morning. If it doesn’t come back down by the end of the day, I’ll feel like a real hero. If it doesn’t come back down by the end of the summer, I’ll feel downright righteous.
I make no predictions or promises, though. I’ll just have to let you know if I endure.
So far I’m doing okay on my summer resolutions. I haven’t had a Diet Coke in two or three days. Living in a hot house with no Diet Coke, though, could turn out to be a deal buster.
I’ll let you know.
