Here are some tips to lower electric bills during summer heat

AUGUSTA, Ga. — As summer temperatures rise, Dominion Energy is releasing tips to help customers stay cool while keeping their electric bills down.

The company recommends setting thermostats to 78 degrees. Officials said any lower forces air conditioning units to work overtime. They added that for customers who find 78 degrees too warm, every degree closer to that setting can still result in savings.

Other recommended steps include regularly replacing air filters, closing blinds and curtains, and sealing cracks around doors and windows.

Paul Fischer, a spokesperson for Dominion Energy, said air conditioning units running around the clock can account for a significant portion of monthly bills.

“Units running around the clock really to keep homes cool. That’s going to consume at least 50% of your bill in any given month,” Fisher said.

In months like June, July and August, you could see that as much as 60 or 70% of your bill being related simply to that air conditioner running around the clock, Fischer said.