Resurrecting this old thread:

So I got my first bill for a full month with AC use. I was a little nervous opening the email, hoping the shock wouldn't be too bad.

And it wasn't: $117. Up from $75 last year when it was so brutally hot and we DIDN'T have AC. A $42 increase.

And I'm fine with that. I'll pay $1.40/day to be comfortable in my house.

Putting an oscillating fan in my upstairs office works great, too, because that way when the cool air comes in from the vent in the floor, the fan moves it around the room. There are some days it's almost chilly in my office. I also keep the window blinds and curtains closed, which helps as well.

Still kind of warm when we try to sleep at night. I may get one of those powered vent things for our master bedroom. Also might bump the thermostat down a degree or two now that I have a better idea of what the AC is costing us.

All in all I'm pleased with adding AC. I think the wife was skeptical (especially when I told her the initial cost) but it's really been worth it this Summer. Particularly since we've gotten the grandkids for at least a day each week. It's nice for them to be able to play outside and get completely exhausted and then they have a cool, comfortable place to unwind afterwards. They don't have AC at home so I'm sure they appreciate that aspect of coming over to Nana and Papa's house!