Hot, sticky Richmond summers can make your AC work overtime, and that shows up on your bill. If you’re feeling the pinch, you’re not alone. Our climate brings July highs near 90°F with plenty of humidity, so cooling is a big piece of home energy use. In this checklist, you’ll find quick wins, smart maintenance, and bigger upgrades that improve comfort and cut costs, plus local programs that help you pay for it. Let’s dive in.
Why comfort costs add up in Richmond
Richmond’s humid subtropical climate drives long cooling seasons, which can strain older systems and leaky homes. Typical July days reach around 90°F, so reducing heat gain and improving AC efficiency really pays off. Recent reporting also shows Virginia electricity prices hovering in the mid‑teens cents per kWh, so every kilowatt-hour you avoid matters for your monthly budget. These local realities make a practical plan worth your time.
Quick wins this month
Do these first. They are low cost and deliver fast comfort gains.
- Set smart temperatures. Follow a simple schedule: about 78°F in summer when you’re home, a bit higher when away. Modest setpoint changes and timed setbacks can save up to around 10 percent on heating and cooling energy, according to DOE guidance summarized here. See: thermostat savings basics.
- Use ceiling fans in occupied rooms. Fans help you feel cooler so you can raise the thermostat a few degrees without losing comfort. Turn them off when you leave the room.
- Change or clean air filters. Check monthly during high-use seasons. A clean filter keeps airflow strong and helps your system run efficiently.
- Block afternoon sun. Close blinds on west and south windows, use light-colored shades, or add low-cost window film to reduce heat gain.
- Seal small leaks. Weatherstrip drafty doors and caulk obvious gaps around trim and penetrations.
Seasonal maintenance checklist
A couple of tune-ups per year can prevent surprises and lower runtime.
- Spring: Schedule an AC or heat pump check before peak heat. Ask for a refrigerant check, coil cleaning, and verification of airflow.
- Fall: Service your heat pump or furnace. Confirm safe operation, clean components, and test defrost or ignition.
- Inspect ductwork you can see. Look for separated joints or missing tape. Big temperature swings between rooms often point to duct leakage.
- Keep outdoor units clear. Trim plants and remove debris within 2–3 feet of the condenser for healthy airflow.
Seal the shell for steady comfort
Air sealing and insulation are often the best dollars you can spend for year-round comfort.
- Start in the attic. Air seal around penetrations, then add insulation to recommended levels. ENERGY STAR guidance shows sealing plus insulation can save up to about 20 percent on heating and cooling costs. Learn more: seal and insulate savings overview.
- Don’t forget ducts in unconditioned spaces. Sealing and insulating them reduces losses and evens out room-to-room temperatures.
- Prioritize windows last. If windows are failing, replacement can help, but in many homes, air sealing and attic work deliver faster payback.
Smarter controls and healthy air
Small controls can make your home feel better at higher setpoints.
- Smart thermostats. Automate schedules and reduce waste. Many Richmond homeowners can also enroll in Dominion’s program for incentives. See: Smart Thermostat Rewards.
- Manage humidity. Use bathroom and kitchen fans when cooking or showering. In very humid spells, keeping indoor humidity in check makes 76–78°F feel much more comfortable.
- Balance vents. Make sure supply and return vents are open and unblocked by rugs or furniture.
Repair or replace your HVAC?
Know when a new system is the better long-term move.
- Consider replacement if your system is 12–15 years old, needs frequent repairs, or struggles in peak heat. Modern heat pumps can both cool and heat efficiently in Richmond’s climate.
- Right-size the new system. Ask for a Manual J load calculation, proper duct design, and itemized bids. Correct sizing avoids short cycling and improves comfort.
- If you are unsure, get an energy audit first. Diagnostics like blower-door and duct testing help you prioritize fixes before replacing equipment.
Bigger upgrades and how to pay less
When it is time for a major project, use available incentives to reduce your net cost.
- Federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit. Through 2025, the 25C credit covers 30 percent of qualifying improvements, with annual caps that include up to $2,000 for eligible heat pumps and up to $1,200 for items like insulation, windows, and home energy audits. Details: IRS Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit.
- Keep your paperwork. For 2025 claims, the IRS may require manufacturer identifiers for some products. Save invoices and model numbers. See: IRS guidance on documentation.
- Time your project with care. Some rebate programs roll out on changing timelines. Confirm eligibility and rules before you buy or install.
Local help and programs
You have solid, Richmond-based options for audits, weatherization, and incentives.
A simple Richmond savings example
Picture a small Richmond bungalow with a summer electric bill of $180. After sealing attic air leaks and adding insulation, plus using a smart thermostat schedule, total heating and cooling use drops by a conservative 10–20 percent. At roughly 15 cents per kWh, that can translate to around $15–$30 in monthly summer savings, with winter savings on top. Actual results vary by home, which is why an energy audit is a smart first step.
Planning a move? Make comfort work for you
Lower bills and steadier comfort are wins for daily life, and they can also boost your home’s appeal when you sell. If you are thinking about pre-sale improvements or want trusted local vendor referrals, reach out to the Phil Lawson Team. We will help you choose updates that make sense for comfort today and resale tomorrow.
Ready to talk next steps for your home in Richmond or the suburbs? Contact Phil Lawson for local guidance, curated resources, and a clear plan.
FAQs
Should I repair or replace an older AC in Richmond?
- If your system is 12–15 years old, needs repeated repairs, or struggles in peak heat, replacement with a properly sized, efficient unit or heat pump often makes sense; always request a Manual J calculation and compare at least two bids.
Are insulation or new windows the better first upgrade?
- Start with air sealing and attic insulation since these usually deliver the best comfort and payback; consider window replacement mainly if units are failing or as part of a planned renovation.
Will a heat pump keep my Richmond home warm in winter?
- Yes; Richmond’s relatively mild winters are well suited to modern air-source heat pumps, and correct sizing and installation are key to steady comfort and efficiency.
How do I use federal credits and local rebates in Virginia?
- Review the IRS 25C rules for eligible items and annual caps, keep detailed invoices and model numbers, and confirm current Dominion program eligibility before you purchase or install.
What thermostat settings save money in Richmond summers?
- Aim near 78°F when you are home and set higher when you are away; combine that with ceiling fans and a consistent schedule to stay comfortable while trimming AC runtime.
