PITTSFIELD — With air conditioners and fans working overtime during this week's heat wave, Berkshire County residents may also be bracing for higher electric bills.

Energy experts say small changes — like raising the air-conditioner temperature by one or two degrees and keeping blinds closed — can make a noticeable difference in both comfort and cost.

"Air conditioners, fans are obviously all working overtime," said Olessa Stepanova, external communications manager at Eversource. "On average in Massachusetts, customers are using about 30 to 35 percent more electricity during the summer months because of the increased use of fans and conditioners and other appliances."

Keeping homes cool during a heat wave without sending energy bills soaring isn't always easy, but Stepanova said a few simple steps can help residents do both.

Raising a thermostat by one degree results in "about 1 to 3 percent less electricity" being used, she said.

Residents should also make sure air vents, heat pumps and fans are not obstructed. "It makes a big difference during hot summer days like this," Stepanova added.

Stepanova also recommended — if your ceiling fan has the option — to have it spin counterclockwise.

"It circulates the air more effectively," she said, "and it creates a cooling wind-chill effect."

That counterclockwise motion creates a down draft of air, pushing it down, according to Home Depot. "Using a counterclockwise ceiling fan direction can reduce your energy costs up to 30 percent."

Outside of fan direction, using a microwave to heat up food — instead of a stove or oven — not only reduces energy consumption, but also produces less external heat, reducing the need to cool the room back down, according to Mass Save.

Still, with extreme heat like this, safety is the number one priority, Stepanova said.

"If you have elderly neighbors, make sure you check in on them, pets and others too, we just want to make sure that everybody stays safe."