The summer heat is taking a toll on people's wallet.

As the sun heats up air conditioners are working twice as hard.

And that means you could be paying a lot more just to stay cool.

Cal Turner says business at Bob Woodall Air Care Systems is doubled in the summer months because of heat-related issues.

And this year is no exception.

"During this extreme heat these air conditioners are designed for the normal heat of our summers which is very hot. But these extremely high heat index days are going to make them run longer; there is nothing you can do to keep them from running longer,” said Turner.

And the longer they run the more money it's going to cost you.

Turner says, “if the coils aren't clean or the filters aren't changed those things really put stress on your system with the extreme heat."

Turner says air conditioners are like cars, you have to keep them maintained to get the best performance out of them.

"Make sure that your equipment has been maintained so that the coils are clean and so that it can handle the heat transfer the best it can,” said Turner.

And believe it or not keeping your hands off of the air conditioner could save you.

“Just moving your thermostat down you know a couple of degrees can save 3-5 percent of your power bill,” said Brad Kimbro, Director of Services with Wiregrass Electric Cooperative.

Kimbro says the optimal temperature to keep your home is 78-degrees.

He also suggests sealing places like your windows.

And one of the easiest money saving measures is to change your filter once a month.

"These units here in 100-degree heat and set on 75, 78 degrees thermostat, they're going to run a lot, they're going to run a lot and keeping those things serviced and maintained is key to the long life for them," said Kimbro.

And also key to saving you money.

If you are a Wiregrass Electric customer you can take part in a free service that could also save you money.

A technician will come to your home free of charge and tell you what needs to be improved to lower your electric bill.