MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The sound of air conditioners humming can be one of the best sounds of the summer, but the cost for comfort can get pricey.
“You got a lot of things running around the house," said David Wright, MLGW Energy Technician, "There are a lot of people running their AC trying to keep their house cool. You got your kids at home out of school for the summer.”
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, energy use has doubled from where it was in 1973. At the same time, data from the Energy Information Administration estimating the average electric bill this summer being around $173, up from where it was the past two years.
If you want to save on your utilities at home, one of the easiest things to do is actually just turning up your thermostat to 78 degrees. That way, your air conditioning does not need to work as hard, and you will not use as much energy.
In addition, MLGW can come do an inspection of your house or apartment to make sure everything is running as smoothly and effectively as possible.”
“When we come out to do an inspection, we look at the whole house, the total house top to bottom…we also inspect the plumbing, attic insulation, and things of that nature that affects your utility bill directly," said Wright. "We report to the customer what we found, and here are some recommendations or some tips that you can help resolve those issues.”
However, if the bill is still higher than you prefer, there are a list of options. One includes MLGW's On-Track program, a free online class every Saturday, where a counselor will help them with their bills.
There are also several Utility Assistance Programs that can offer some help:
- Shelby County Community Services Agency - (901) 222-4200
- Millington Crisis Center Ministry - (901) 872-4357
- City of Memphis Utility Assistance Program - ncclife.org