In an effort to help combat costs from cooling, South River EMC is offering a free workshop open to the public concerning heating and cooling practices involving heat pumps.

It has certainly been a hot summer and while the temperatures cannot be changed, there are a lot of options for how homeowners counteract them, SREMC staff noted. Find out what you can be doing differently with your cooling unit at this workshop on Thursday, Aug.16 at 6:30 p.m. at the South River EMC office, 17494 US 421 South in Dunn.

Items discussed will include: types of heating and cooling units; heating and cooling basics; proper thermostat settings and which types will save energy; heating and cooling system maintenance/ tune- ups; how your unit affects your bill; measures to reduce energy use; and South River EMC rebates.

This is a great workshop for anyone concerned about heating and cooling costs, considering purchasing a new unit, or just interested in keeping their unit running efficiently, staff noted. On hand will be a certified HVAC technician and energy auditors to answer all your questions.

At this workshop no question is too big or too small, and if you have it, someone else may have it as well. So come, learn and save, said Julie Wahl with SREMC.

If you are interested in attending this free workshop, contact Aaron Jackson at 910-892-8071, ext. 2153, or by e-mailing sremc@sremc.com. Although not required, RSVPs are appreciated.

South River EMC is a locally-owned and operated electric cooperative, which provides electric service to 42,000 homes, farms and businesses in parts of Harnett, Cumberland, Sampson, Johnston and Bladen counties.