Columbia — Summer is officially here, and temperatures are on the rise. Along with an increase in heat, Pearl River Valley Electric members may experience higher energy bills.
“It’s a similar situation to what we had this winter,” said Matthew Ware, Pearl River Valley Electric CEO/General Manager. “Extreme temperatures cause our heating and cooling systems to work harder. In hot weather, air conditioning units run longer to maintain a comfortable level inside the home. To combat this, we encourage all our members to practice energy efficiency to help reduce costs.”
One way to save money is to set your thermostat higher than normal, especially when you are away from your home.
“For every two degrees you raise your thermostat above 78 degrees you will save approximately 14% on your electric bill,” said Trey Ware, Pearl River Valley Electric Energy Services Advisor.
You can also save money by doing simple maintenance on the air conditioning unit itself. Replace your air filter regularly. Inspect it each month and, if it appears clogged with dirt or lint, change it. A clean filter will allow your unit to run more efficiently and require it to work less. Also, have a qualified professional clean and service your unit yearly. This will ensure that your air conditioning unit runs more efficiently.
Other simple, cost-effective measures you can perform around your home are to caulk around windows and install weather stripping around doors. Also, seal areas around plumbing, ductwork and electrical wiring.
To find more energy saving tips, visit www.prvepa.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Pearl River Valley Electric is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative that distributes electricity to more than 52,000 members in 12-counties in central and south Mississippi. It is headquartered in Columbia and has offices in Hattiesburg, Purvis, and Wiggins.
