LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Everybody wants to stay cool on hot summer days, but sometimes, staying cool means higher electric bills.
Experts have some tips to help keep you comfortable while not breaking the bank.
It's the time of year to stay in the nice, cool air conditioning, but experts warn against overworking it when it's this hot.
"Just a real balancing act, or a catch-22 between keeping your thermostat set to where you feel cool and comfortable... kind of limit your energy usage or save money on your bill," said Heather Kendrick with Entergy Arkansas.
Kendrick said that's why Entergy is trying to help customers save some money this summer through levelized billing and real-time usage trackers.
There are more ways to help keep your house a little cooler.
"Use your ceiling fan," Kendrick said. "Try to set your thermostat in the most comfortable setting, which, of course, varies for every person. Keep your blinds and windows closed. Check for cracks around doors and windows, and then the other thing is to make sure that you've had an AC tune-up and that you change those air filters."
Even the type of blinds on your windows can make a difference.
Greg Davis at Blind Illusions in Benton said certain window coverings can reduce heat coming inside.
"One of our top options for reducing heat is shutters," Davis said. "You know wooden shutters because they're a thick window covering and are good at blocking direct sunlight from airing your home, reducing heat gain... they create such a wall of insulation."
Davis said single-cell shades help.
"Those cells will trap the heat and keep them from entering your home," Davis said.
The color of your shades also matters.
"Black will trap heat, so lighter color... for the summer months is going to be a little better way to go as far as that goes with faux wood blinds, especially," Davis said.
Entergy is hosting an in-person event on July 18 for customers who need help with bill management. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 3701 Springer Boulevard in Little Rock.
LIHEAP applications are also open for those who need help paying electric bills. Click here for more information.