Virginia summers are no joke — and in Richmond, the heat and humidity can push your energy bills to uncomfortable highs right alongside the temperature. Our real estate agents at Napier Realtors ERA want to help you stay cool and keep more money in your pocket this season.

Smart Strategies to Beat the Heat Without Overpaying

Optimize Your Thermostat Settings

Adjusting how and when you cool your home is one of the easiest ways to trim your energy bill. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends keeping your thermostat at 78°F while you're home — a setting that balances comfort and efficiency for most Richmond households.

• Keep it at 78°F when you're home and active
• Raise it to 85°F or higher when the house is empty
• Lower the temperature gradually in the evening to reduce strain on your system

A programmable or smart thermostat takes the guesswork out of all of this and can pay for itself within a single cooling season.

Seal Air Leaks and Improve Insulation

Cool air escaping through gaps around windows, doors, and ductwork is one of the most overlooked sources of energy waste. Sealing air leaks throughout your home is a low-cost fix with a high return.

• Use weatherstripping around exterior doors and operable windows
• Apply caulk to gaps around window frames, baseboards, and trim
• Check your attic insulation — inadequate insulation allows heat to pour in from above

If your home is older, a professional energy audit can identify the biggest problem areas and prioritize where to start.

Use Ceiling Fans the Right Way

Ceiling fans don't actually lower the temperature in a room — but running ceiling fans counterclockwise in summer creates a wind-chill effect that makes you feel cooler. That means you can raise your thermostat a few degrees without noticing the difference, and your AC runs less as a result.

• Make sure blades rotate counterclockwise when viewed from below
• Turn fans off when you leave the room — they cool people, not spaces
• Use fans in combination with your AC rather than as a replacement on the hottest days

Block Heat Before It Enters

Windows are among the most underestimated sources of heat gain in a home, particularly those facing south and west during the afternoon. Taking simple steps to block direct sunlight before temperatures peak can make a noticeable difference in how hard your cooling system has to work.

• Install blackout curtains or cellular shades on sun-facing windows
• Consider solar window film for a more permanent solution
• Close blinds and curtains before you leave in the morning 

This one habit alone can make a noticeable difference in how hard your AC has to work by afternoon.

Maintain Your HVAC System

A well-maintained system runs more efficiently and lasts longer. Scheduling a professional HVAC tune-up each spring ensures your equipment is ready before peak cooling season hits.

• Replace air filters every one to three months during heavy use
• Keep the outdoor condenser unit clear of debris, plants, and obstructions
• Have a technician check refrigerant levels and clean the coils annually

Skipping maintenance often leads to breakdowns on the hottest days of the year — when service calls are in highest demand.

Rethink Heat-Generating Habits

Your daily routines contribute more heat than you might realize. Shifting energy-intensive tasks to cooler parts of the day reduces how much your AC has to compensate.

• Run the dishwasher and dryer in the evening or early morning
• Use a microwave or outdoor grill instead of the oven when possible
• Switch to LED bulbs if you haven't already — they produce far less heat than incandescent options

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best thermostat temperature to save money during Virginia summers?

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F when you're home and active, and raising it to 85°F or higher when the house is empty. A programmable or smart thermostat makes this effortless to manage and can pay for itself within a single cooling season.

How often should I replace my HVAC air filter during summer?

During periods of heavy use — like a Virginia summer — you should replace your air filter every one to three months. A clean filter helps your system run more efficiently, reduces strain on the equipment, and can prevent costly breakdowns during the hottest days of the year when HVAC technicians are in highest demand.

Do ceiling fans actually make my home cooler?

Ceiling fans don't lower the actual temperature in a room, but they do create a wind-chill effect that makes you feel cooler. To get this benefit in summer, make sure your fan blades are rotating counterclockwise when viewed from below. This allows you to raise your thermostat a few degrees without a noticeable difference in comfort — meaning your AC runs less, and your energy bill stays lower.

Stay Comfortable and Efficient All Summer Long

Keeping your Richmond home cool doesn't have to mean a sky-high utility bill — small, consistent changes add up quickly over the course of a hot Virginia summer. Whether you're a longtime homeowner looking to lower your costs or exploring Richmond homes for sale and want to know what to look for in an energy-efficient property, we're here to help. Get in touch with Napier Realtors ERA today and let our team guide you every step of the way.