Staying Cool During the Richmond Heat Wave

With temperatures expected to reach the upper 90s and heat indexes climbing even higher over the next several days, we want to share a few helpful tips to keep your apartment as cool and comfortable as possible.

Tips to Keep Your Home Cool

• Keep blinds and curtains closed during the hottest part of the day, especially on windows that receive direct sunlight.

• Set your thermostat to a consistent temperature. Frequently adjusting it up and down can make your HVAC system work harder without cooling your home faster.

• Keep doors and windows closed while your air conditioning is running to prevent cool air from escaping.

• Use ceiling fans correctly. During the summer, ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise to help circulate cool air.

• Limit the use of ovens and stoves during the afternoon and evening if possible. Consider using a microwave, slow cooker, or outdoor grill instead.

• Turn off lights and electronics when they are not in use, as they can generate additional heat.

• Replace or clean air filters if your unit is responsible for filter maintenance. A clean filter helps your HVAC system operate more efficiently.

• Keep air vents clear. Avoid placing furniture, rugs, or boxes in front of supply or return vents.

Please note that during periods of extreme heat, air conditioning systems may run continuously and may not maintain very low indoor temperatures. Most residential HVAC systems are designed to cool a home to approximately 20°F below the outdoor temperature. This is normal during prolonged heat waves.