MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - The Mid-South has already gotten a big taste of summer over the last month. In March, there were 11 days with temperatures in the 80's and 6 days that tied or set new records.
Many residents have already flipped on the air conditioner and that has them wondering what the early heat will mean for utility bills the rest of the summer.
Herschel Schwartz, Memphis resident, says, "I think it was about April 1st, a little earlier than we usually do. We were trying to manage with open windows and fans on, but it really got to be a bit much."
Glen Thomas with Memphis Light Gas and Water says, "The thing to remember is the hotter it is outside, the harder your system has to work to get to the temperature you have set."
Thomas suggests setting your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher and use ceiling fans to stay comfortable. Turing on a fan uses less energy. You save 6% with each degree you raise your thermostat.
