Have you ever opened your summer electric bill and wondered why it’s so high? If you’re like many older adults, you might be making one simple air conditioning mistake that’s costing you over $200 every summer.

The surprising part? It has nothing to do with how often you run your AC—it’s all about how you set it.

You’re probably thinking it’s about leaving the AC on when you’re not home, but that’s not it. Most seniors are already careful about that. The real culprit is something that seems logical and comfortable, but it’s actually the most expensive way to cool your home.

Can you guess what it is?

Let me paint a picture that might sound familiar. You set your thermostat to a comfortable 70°F in May and leave it there all summer long. It feels perfect—no need to fiddle with settings or worry about being too hot or too cold.

This “set it and forget it” approach seems smart, especially when you value consistency and comfort. But here’s what most people don’t realize: this simple habit could be adding $200 or more to your summer energy bills.

The Comfort-First Mindset That Costs Money

Many older adults grew up during a time when air conditioning was a luxury, not a necessity. Back then, energy costs were lower, and the advice was simple: find a comfortable temperature and stick with it.

This made perfect sense decades ago, but energy costs have skyrocketed, and modern AC technology works differently than those old window units.

There’s also the practical matter of comfort. As we age, our bodies become more sensitive to temperature changes, and many seniors prioritize feeling comfortable over saving a few dollars. On a fixed income, though, those “few dollars” can add up to hundreds over a summer season.

The problem is that many of us learned about air conditioning when energy was cheap and systems were less sophisticated.

What worked then doesn’t work now—and it’s costing us dearly.

The $200+ Mistake: Constant Low Temperature Settings

The Real Culprit Behind High Energy Bills

Here’s the expensive mistake: setting your thermostat to 68-70°F and leaving it there constantly. While this feels wonderfully comfortable, it forces your air conditioner to work overtime maintaining a temperature that’s 15-20 degrees cooler than what energy experts recommend.

Think of it this way: when it’s 95°F outside and you’re trying to keep your home at 68°F, your AC is fighting a 27-degree temperature difference. That’s like trying to swim upstream in a river—it takes enormous energy to maintain that gap.

Let’s break down the real costs. In most parts of the country, running your AC at 70°F instead of the recommended 78°F can increase your cooling costs by 40-50%. For an average home, that translates to:

• $50-80 extra per month during peak summer months
• $200-300 additional costs over a typical cooling season
• Up to $400+ extra in areas with high energy costs like California or the Northeast

The mathematics are simple but shocking. Every degree you lower your thermostat increases your energy consumption by about 6-8%. Drop from 78°F to 70°F, and you’re looking at nearly 50% higher cooling costs.

The 78-Degree Rule That Changes Everything

Energy experts agree: 78°F is the magic number for balancing comfort and cost savings. I know what you’re thinking—”78 degrees sounds hot!” But here’s what many people don’t realize: 78°F can feel just as comfortable as 70°F with the right approach.

The key is gradual adjustment and smart comfort strategies. Start by raising your thermostat just one degree every few days. Your body will adapt naturally, and you won’t notice the difference. Most people find that after a week or two, 76-78°F feels perfectly comfortable.

Here’s your step-by-step savings plan:

Week 1: Adjust from 70°F to 72°F
Week 2: Move up to 74°F
Week 3: Try 76°F
Week 4: Reach the optimal 78°F

This gradual approach prevents the shock of sudden temperature changes while allowing your body to acclimate naturally.

The Fan Setting That Cuts Costs by 15%

While you’re adjusting your temperature settings, check your fan setting too. Many people leave their thermostat fan on “ON” instead of “AUTO,” thinking it circulates air better. This simple mistake can add 15-20% to your cooling costs because the fan runs constantly, even when the AC isn’t actively cooling.

Switch to “AUTO” and the fan only runs when cooling is needed. You’ll save money and still get proper air circulation.

Other money-saving strategies that keep you comfortable:

• Use ceiling fans to create a wind-chill effect that makes 78°F feel like 74°F
• Close blinds during peak sun hours to reduce heat gain
• Run bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans to remove hot, humid air—proper home ventilation is crucial for both comfort and health
• Consider a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures when you’re sleeping or away

Did you know that even small adjustments make a big difference? Speaking of home comfort improvements, proper lighting can also make your space more comfortable while potentially reducing energy costs—check out our guide on optimizing home lighting for senior safety for more energy-conscious tips.

If you’re interested in more ways to make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient as you age, sign up for our newsletter to get practical tips delivered right to your inbox.

Making the Transition Comfortable

The secret to successfully adjusting to higher temperatures isn’t willpower—it’s strategy. Personal cooling aids can make 78°F feel as comfortable as 70°F while still saving you hundreds of dollars.

Smart comfort solutions:

• Lightweight, breathable clothing made from moisture-wicking materials
• A small personal fan for your favorite reading chair
• Cooling towels that provide instant relief on hot days
• Ice water or cold beverages to help regulate body temperature
• Strategic use of cooling during the hottest parts of the day

Remember, you don’t have to suffer to save money. The goal is finding the right balance between comfort and cost-effectiveness.

Check Your Settings Today

Right now, walk over to your thermostat and look at the current setting. If it’s below 75°F, you have immediate money-saving opportunities. Start with small adjustments—even raising it from 70°F to 72°F will save you about $15-25 per month.

Your 3-step savings checklist:

1. Check your current temperature setting—write it down
2. **Verify your fan is set to “AUTO”**—not “ON”
3. Raise the temperature by 1-2 degrees—start your savings journey today

Track your next energy bill to see the immediate impact. Most people notice savings within the first month, and the difference becomes dramatic over the full summer season.

While you’re making these energy-saving changes, it’s also a great time to consider other cost-effective ways to improve your home comfort and safety. Many seniors find that decluttering creates a more comfortable living environment that’s easier to cool efficiently.

The Bottom Line: Comfort Doesn’t Have to Cost a Fortune

You’ve worked hard for your money, and there’s no reason to waste hundreds of dollars on unnecessary air conditioning costs. By making this one simple change—adjusting your thermostat to 78°F and optimizing your settings—you can maintain comfort while keeping more money in your pocket.

The best part? Once you make these adjustments, the savings are automatic. You don’t have to think about it every day or make constant sacrifices. Set it up correctly once, and enjoy lower bills all summer long.

Want more money-saving tips for your home? Our newsletter delivers practical advice to help you live comfortably while keeping more of your hard-earned money.

Take Control of Your Energy Costs Today

Your air conditioning settings are completely within your control, and small changes can create big savings. You don’t have to choose between comfort and affordability—you can have both with the right approach.

Energy savings is just one part of creating a safer, more comfortable home environment as you age. For more practical ways to enhance your home’s safety and comfort, try our 30-day home safety challenge designed specifically for seniors.

Looking for other ways to reduce monthly expenses? Consider exploring cost-effective alternatives for your landline phone service—magicJack can help seniors slash phone bills while keeping the same phone number.

What’s your current AC setting? Have you tried any of these money-saving strategies? Share your experience in the comments below—other readers would love to hear about your energy bill improvements!