6 HVAC tips to keep you cozy

1. Change your air filters monthly. (Yes, we’re all supposed to be doing that!)
2. Get a programmable thermostat. Bonus: It helps with energy savings.
3. Keep shrubs, debris + clutter away from your outdoor HVAC unit.
4. Test your carbon monoxide detectors.
5. Check your pilot light.
6. Schedule your six-month tune up. Pro tip: Save on heating repairs and service with Woodfin’s Comfort Protection Plans.

9 plumbing tips to probe

1. Check all of your fixtures + piping for leaks. (No drips, please and thank you.)
2. If you have a whole-house water filter, be sure to change it regularly.
3. Once winter hits, remove hoses from outdoor faucets attachments and use an outdoor faucet cover.
4. To improve their efficiency, Woodfin - Your Home Team recommends flushing out your water heaters (and tankless water heaters) annually.
5. Know the location of the main water shut-off valve.
6. If you have septic tanks, have them pumped every few years.
7. Inspect the condition of your washing machine hoses.
8. Close your crawl space vents.
9. Know the location of your water meter and have it marked.

5 electrical items to inspect

1. Test your home’s smoke detectors every six months and replace any over 10 years old.
2. If you have a house generator, make sure the lights are green and that annual maintenance has been done.
3. Keep the area in front of electrical panels clear and easily accessible.
4. Repair or replace any lights, switches + other electrical devices that are not working properly.
5. Have annual electrical maintenance done for cost savings on your power bill.

• Charlotte Jacobs, Brunswick, and Stranger Cat | Wednesday, Sept. 13 | 8-11 p.m. | Gallery5, 200 W. Marshall St., Richmond | $10-$15 | Enjoy an evening of local tunes.

• HYPE: Capital Trail Clean Up | Thursday, Sept. 14 | 4-5:30 p.m. | Capital Trail Beyond Boundaries Mile Marker 44, 2644 New Market Rd., Richmond | Free | Meet other young professionals while beautifying the trail — parking is available at Walgreens.
• “Birdman” | Thursday, Sept. 14 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St., Richmond | $8 | See the Best Picture winner starring Michael Keaton on the big screen.

• 10th Anniversary Coaches’ Cook-Off | Friday, Sept. 15 | 6-8 p.m. | Main Line Brewery, 1603 Ownby Ln., Richmond | $25-$75 | Basketball coaches from VCU, VSU, UR, and VUU ditch the court for the cutting board in this culinary showdown to benefit Commonwealth Autism.
• Mt. Joy | Friday, Sept. 15 | 7 p.m. | Brown’s Island, Tredegar St., Richmond | $40-$160 | The rock band will play two sets on the island.

• River City Sting Interest Meeting | Saturday, Sept. 16 | 9:20-10:30 a.m. | HCPL Fairfield Branch, 1401 N. Laburnum Ave., Richmond | Free | Register to learn more about Richmond’s women’s tackle football team, including upcoming workouts and tryouts.
• RVA Music Fest | Saturday, Sept. 16 | 12-8 p.m. | Dogwood Dell, 600 S Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond | Free | Bring school supplies to donate to RPS and enjoy a music festival celebrating independent artists.
• Soulsation Gospel & Jazz Concert | Saturday, Sept. 16 | 5-7 p.m. | Virginia Rep Center for Arts and Education, 4204 Hermitage Rd., Richmond | $50-$75 | Enjoy a night of jazz, gospel, and R&B with performances by Hezekiah Walker, James Saxsmo Gates, Branden Anderson, Brown Ballerinas + more.

• Nate’s Bagels is expanding. The Fan shop announced that it will open a second location in Scott’s Addition at 1219 Highpoint Ave., close to the Icon and the Nest Apartments. It has yet to share an expected opening date.

• Henrico is considering a new tax relief program for older and disabled homeowners. The Real Estate CAP Program would prevent qualifying homeowners’ annual real estate tax bills from increasing after they entered the program. Look out for a public hearing later this month to learn more.

• 428,541. That’s how many fans cheered on the Flying Squirrels this season at the Diamond, earning Richmond the title of Double-A Attendance Champions. The Squirrels are in the midst of a push for the playoffs in their last series of the regular season against the SeaWolves of Erie, PA.

• James River Association’s Greening Richmond Public Libraries initiative continues later this month. The group is looking for volunteers to help plant trees and shrubs at the East End Branch on Friday, Sept. 29 and Saturday, Sept. 30. Sign up for a morning or afternoon shift.

• The 8th Annual Afrikana Independent Film Festival starts tomorrow and goes through Sunday, Sept. 17. The festival includes film screenings, panel discussions, and mixers — tickets and all-access passes are available now. There will also be a premiere of the first film made as part of the Script-to-Screen Residency. (Richmond Magazine)

• Carry on, wayward sons. Rock band Kansas is adding a stop in the River City to its 50th anniversary tour. Tickets for the Friday, March 1 show at Dominion Energy Center go on sale this Friday, Sept. 15 at 10 a.m.

• Idle Hands Bread Company is now open on Mondays from 7 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. The Strawberry Street bakery offers a broad selection of pastries and loafs. Looking for more local eateries open on Mondays? We’ve got a guide for that.

• The Capital Region Land Conservancy and the Henricopolis Soil and Water Conservation District announced that 1.5 miles along the Chickahominy River and 170 acres of forests and wetlands will be protected from future development. The land covered by the conservation easement is a habitat for many animal and plant species.

• Dramatic and moody, yet tranquil and grounded. Are we describing ourselves, or Sherwin-Williams’ Color of the Month for September 2023? Discover the color for your next home project.^

• Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*

• Put your holiday gifting headaches in the past with Six & Main’s gifting quiz. Get the perfect gift for your friends and family with just a few clicks. Start quiz.

• Kathyphantastic items are perfect for spicing up your wardrobe, water bottle, or fridge. From unique magnets to art prints, shop the collection.

• The internet’s favorite tumbler — the 40-oz. Stanley Quencher — is in stock in cute colors like pool, jade, and orchid.

• Love flying first class? Snag an Elite membership from Going and get emailed when first + business class flights are 40-90% off (hello, European vacation).

• It doesn’t get more luxurious than the Drowsy sleep mask, which is silky smooth on skin and completely light-blocking for the deepest sleep.