We’re willing to bet you’ve been swapping recipes with a neighbor or two here in Northern VA. Maybe you’ve discovered the secret to the perfect homemade lemonade. We won’t deny that’s one way to stay cool this summer. But if you’re still feeling a little suffocated, try F.H. Furr’s 5-Part recipe for keeping cool. With only five “ingredients,” our recipe is simple but will enable you to experience your most comfortable summer yet. If you want to thank us later, you can forward along that lemonade recipe – or better yet, bring us a batch!

1. Close the blinds and let down the curtains. It’s tempting to celebrate summer by letting in as much light as possible. Just about every magazine ad features a summery-looking beach home with the windows and doors flung wide open. That isn’t reality, people. As soon as the sun hits your home in the morning, the blinds and curtains should be closed. You probably already have these forms of “insulation” in place, so utilize what you’ve got. Bonus: your nosy neighbor can’t see what you’re up to.
2. Change the scenery. Here’s a little heating and air conditioning tip. The best way to save money on your AC is not to use yours – go use someone else’s! Instead of cranking up the AC to survive the hottest part of the day, head to a local museum or library to enjoy their air-conditioning…ahem, culture. If you’re willing to part with a few bucks, go see a matinee. It’s cheaper than the nighttime show, and there are few places more pleasant than a dark, cold movie theater when it’s 100 degrees outside.
3. Don’t cook. Yes, ladies and gents, that’s right – you heard it from us. Step away from that stove. Turning on the oven or stove generates a significant amount of heat. Serve cold soups, salads, and raw veggies and fruits. Not only does it keep your home cooler, but who really wants a big heavy meal when it’s 100 degrees, anyway? If you really do need to heat something up, light up the old grill! It’s summer, after all!
4. Turn off the TV. And unplug the computer. These innocuous everyday electronics generate a lot of heat. Keep your home cool and your AC bill low by reducing – or eliminating – the amount of time they’re turned on. Plus, with all the electronics unplugged, you have more time for a good book, a chat with your neighbor, or playtime with the kids.
5. Call F.H. Furr. If you just can’t seem to cool off, there may be stealthy factors to blame – lack of maintenance on your HVAC system, poor insulation in the attic, drafts coming in around windows and doors. The list is endless. Spend less time worrying about it and let a pro inspect your home. We’ve been performing heating and air conditioning repair in Northern Virginia, D.C., and Maryland area for more than 30 years. We’ll make sure your home is ready to keep you cool while saving you money and energy!