BENSON, AZ (KGUN) — As temperatures continue to rise, so will your electricity bill.

Corey East, key account manager for the Sulfur Springs Valley Electricity Cooperative (SSVEC), said many members have been calling asking how they can avoid a large increase in their bills as the heat wave continues to affect the area.

He said one of the easiest things people can do is to make sure the air conditioning unit and the area around it are maintained. East said cleaning air-conditioning filters, plugging cracks and holes that let sunlight in and using smart thermostats are ways to improve energy efficiency.

The more you have to turn on your air conditioner, the more electricity it uses. East said 78 degrees is the most energy efficient temperature, but in the end it comes down to personal preference.

“Find the right temperature for yourself and the people in your home. Obviously, the higher the thermostat and the closer the indoor temperature is to the outdoor, the lower the air conditioner will work,” he said.

Bog coolers are another way to be more energy efficient, but not during monsoons.

“Swamp coolers work well without moisture because they pull moisture into the air. It’s hard to stay cool when there’s moisture in the air already. Air conditioning removes moisture from the air.”

East said people should monitor their electricity bills to see if any changes would reduce their usage.