How to Get Your Home Ready for a Heat Wave in South Jersey
- allzonehvace
- Jun 30
- 6 min read
Every summer it's the same story.
The first really hot week hits South Jersey, temperatures climb into the 90s, and suddenly everyone's air conditioner is working overtime. That's also when our phones start ringing. Most of the calls could have been avoided with a little prep before the heat arrived. If you live in Egg Harbor Township, or anywhere around Atlantic County or Cape May County, here's what we recommend before the next heat wave rolls in.
Get Your Air Conditioner Checked Before Everyone Else Does
This is the biggest, most-important way to get your home ready for a heat wave.
Don't wait until your house is 85 degrees and the AC quits.
We see it every year. The first heat wave hits, every HVAC company gets booked up, and people end up waiting days for service. If your system is making strange noises, not cooling like it used to, or hasn't been looked at in a few years, have it checked now. It's a lot easier to fix a small problem than replace a major part after it fails.
Change Your Air Filter
A dirty filter makes your air conditioner work harder.
It also cuts down on airflow, which means your house stays warmer and your electric bill goes up.
Most homeowners can change it in just a few minutes.
If you can't remember the last time you replaced it, it's probably time.
Keep the Cool Air Inside
Once the afternoon sun starts beating down, keep the windows closed.
Close the blinds or curtains on the sunny side of the house too. It makes a bigger difference than most people realize.
If the temperature drops overnight, crack the windows early in the morning to let some cooler air in. Once it starts heating up outside, close everything back up and let your AC do its job.
Don't Fight Your Thermostat
One thing we hear all the time is:
"I turned it down to 60 because I wanted the house to cool faster."
It doesn't work that way.
Your air conditioner cools at the same speed whether it's set to 72 or 60.
All you're doing is making it run longer.
Pick a comfortable temperature and leave it there.
Check Around Your Outdoor Unit
Walk outside and look at your condenser.
If it's covered with weeds, grass clippings, leaves, or anything else, clean the area around it.
Your system needs room to breathe.
A little cleanup can help it run more efficiently during the hottest days of the summer.
Drink More Water Than You Think You Need
Heat doesn't just affect your house.
It affects you too.
Drink water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty yet. If you're working outside, take breaks in the shade whenever you can.
Kids, older adults, and people with medical conditions can overheat much faster than healthy adults.
Don't forget about your pets either. Fresh water and shade go a long way during a South Jersey summer.
What Not to Do During a Heat Wave
We've seen homeowners make these mistakes more times than we can count.
Don't:
Keep opening doors every few minutes.
Leave windows open while the AC is running.
Ignore weak airflow coming from your vents.
Wait until your system completely stops working before calling.
Use the oven all afternoon if you can avoid it.
Spend hours outside during the hottest part of the day.
A little common sense goes a long way.
Should You Keep Your Windows Open?
Most of the time, no. When it's hot and humid outside, opening the windows lets all that heat and moisture right back into your house. Keep them closed during the day. If we get one of those cooler South Jersey nights, open them for a little while before bed or early in the morning. Then close everything up before the heat comes back.
Can Hot Weather Make AFib Worse?
For some people, yes.vExtreme heat and dehydration can make atrial fibrillation symptoms worse.
If you have AFib or another heart condition, stay cool, drink plenty of water, and don't push yourself outside during extreme heat. If you experience chest pain, trouble breathing, dizziness, or severe symptoms, get medical help right away.
A list of FAQs regarding How To Get Your Home Ready for a Heat Wave
What temperature should I set my thermostat during a heat wave?
For most homes, 72° to 76°F is a comfortable range. The biggest mistake people make is dropping the thermostat way down, thinking it will cool the house faster. It won't. Your air conditioner cools at the same rate no matter what temperature you choose. Setting it too low just makes it run longer.
Is it normal for my air conditioner to run all day during a heat wave?
Yes. When it's 95° outside with South Jersey humidity, it's common for a properly working system to run much longer than usual. If it's keeping your home comfortable, that's a good sign. If it's running constantly and the temperature inside keeps climbing, it's time to have it checked.
Why isn't my house getting as cool as the thermostat says?
This can happen for several reasons. A dirty air filter, low refrigerant, blocked vents, poor insulation, or an aging air conditioner can all make it harder to keep up with extreme heat. If your system used to cool the house without a problem, it's worth having it inspected.
Should I turn my AC off when I leave the house?
Not completely. Raising the temperature a few degrees while you're away can help save energy, but turning the system off entirely means it has to work much harder when you get home. Keeping a steady temperature is usually the better option.
Can I use ceiling fans with my air conditioner?
Absolutely. Ceiling fans help move cool air around the room, making it feel cooler without lowering the thermostat. Just remember to turn fans off when you leave the room since they cool people, not the air itself.
How often should I replace my HVAC air filter during the summer?
Most homeowners should check their filter every month during the cooling season. Many filters need to be replaced every one to three months, depending on pets, allergies, and how often the system runs.
Is it okay if ice forms on my air conditioner?
No. Ice on the indoor or outdoor unit usually means something isn't right. A clogged filter, restricted airflow, or low refrigerant are common causes. Turn the system off and call for service before the problem gets worse.
What should I do if my air conditioner stops working during a heat wave?
First, check your thermostat settings, replace a dirty filter if needed, and make sure the circuit breaker hasn't tripped. If the system still won't cool, call an HVAC professional. During extreme heat, don't wait too long—service schedules fill up quickly.
How can I lower my electric bill during a heat wave?
Keep blinds closed during the day, replace your air filter, seal drafts around doors and windows, avoid using the oven during the afternoon, and keep your thermostat at a consistent temperature. A well-maintained air conditioner also uses less electricity than one that's struggling.
How often should my air conditioner be serviced?
We recommend a professional tune-up once a year, ideally in the spring before the hottest weather arrives. Preventive maintenance helps catch small issues before they become expensive repairs during the busiest time of the year.
What are the signs my air conditioner is about to fail?
Watch for weak airflow, warm air from the vents, strange noises, short cycling, water leaks, bad odors, or higher-than-normal electric bills. These are often early warning signs that your system needs attention.
Does South Jersey's humidity make my air conditioner work harder?
We're Your Neighbors.
We Know South Jersey Summers.
We don't have Arizona heat, but we do get something just as tough...high temperatures mixed with humidity.
That combination can push an older air conditioner to its limit.
If you're not sure your system is ready for the next heat wave, we'll take a look before it turns into an emergency.
At All-Zone Heating & Cooling, we're proud to serve homeowners in Egg Harbor Township, Mays Landing, Somers Point, Linwood, Northfield, Galloway, Ocean City, and communities throughout Atlantic and Cape May Counties.
If you want peace of mind before the hottest part of summer arrives, give us a call. We'd rather help you prevent a breakdown than have to rescue you after one.
Ask Our HVAC Experts
Every home is different. If you're not sure whether your air conditioner is ready for the next South Jersey heat wave, give All-Zone Heating & Cooling a call. We're happy to answer your questions and help you avoid an emergency repair in the middle of summer.
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