If you’ve been in New Jersey for a while, you’ve probably experienced the state’s summer. .
From that heavy, sticky air that hits you the second you step outside to the intense heatwaves that make the pavement look like it’s melting, this season is no joke.
And as the temperatures skyrocket, your air conditioner goes from a nice-to-have to a must-have.
But here’s the catch: No matter how good your air con is, it can struggle in a heatwave or worse break down. This is the last thing you want when the mercury’s hitting its peak.
So, how do you keep your home cool, comfortable, and energy-efficient all summer long?
It’s easier than you might think. Follow my simple HVAC tips for summer and you can save on expensive repairs, lower your energy bills, and make sure your home stays cozy throughout the season.
I’ve detailed each of these home HVAC maintenance tips below, so let’s get started.
Key Takeaways
- Schedule a pre-summer AC tune-up to catch problems early.
- Change your air filter every month during the hot months.
- Set your thermostat to 78°F for comfort and savings.
- Keep your outdoor AC unit clear of debris and plants.
- Use ceiling fans to stay cool without turning down the thermostat.
- Seal any drafts and make sure your insulation is in good shape.
- Reduce indoor humidity to feel cooler and reduce strain on your AC.
- Upgrade to a smart or programmable thermostat for better control.
- Take advantage of NJ rebates for energy-efficient upgrades.
The best HVAC tips for summer in NJ
1. Get a pre-summer HVAC maintenance
Before the first heatwave hits, getting a professional HVAC tune-up should be at the top of your to-do list.
Why?
Your AC has been sitting unused for months, and a quick check-up makes sure it’s in good shape for the New Jersey summer heat.
A seasonal maintenance ensures your system runs safely and efficiently, keeping you cool throughout the hot months.
Talking about service itself, a professional HVAC duct cleaner should do the following:
- Check refrigerant levels and look for leaks.
- Clean the evaporator and condenser coils to help your air con run better.
- Make sure your thermostat is working correctly.
- Check the electrical components to detect any hidden issues.
- Clear the drain line to prevent water damage or breakdowns.
- Test the entire system to make sure everything’s working properly.
Pro tip: Book your tune-up in the spring before the summer rush. This way, not only will you get an appointment at your convenience, but you might also grab some discounts.
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2. Change the air filter regularly
Changing your air filter is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your HVAC system running efficiently.
You see, a dirty or clogged air filter makes it harder for air to flow, forcing your AC to work much harder than it should. This, in turn, reduces airflow, causes poor cooling, and even increases your energy bills.
What’s worse?
In some cases, dirty filters can even cause your system to freeze up, leading to even more troubles down the line.
Pro tip: Check your filter once every month and swap it out if it looks dirty or clogged. For most 1-inch HVAC filters, a replacement every 1-3 months is fine, but keep an eye on it during summers and change it more often if needed.
3. Be smart with your thermostat and save money
Cranking your AC down to 72°F feels awesome. But your energy bill will remind you that it’s not the best idea.
Instead, try setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and awake. This is the sweet spot for staying cool without wasting energy.
Also, it is the Department of Energy’s recommended setting for the best balance of comfort and efficiency.
Bonus: When you’re sleeping or out, raise the temperature by 7-10 degrees. This simple change can save you up to 10% on your cooling costs each year.
Awesome, isn’t it?
4. Maintain your outdoor HVAC unit
That metal box outside your home is your AC’s condenser unit, and it’s super important for optimal HVAC function.
Now, this unit needs plenty of space to push out hot air without running any danger of damage.
So, here’s what I suggest you do:
- Clear the area: Make sure there’s at least 2-3 feet of space around it. Trim back any plants, weeds, or bushes that are crowding it.
- Clean the unit: Turn off the power and gently spray the fins with a garden hose to get rid of dirt and pollen. Avoid a pressure washer as it can damage the delicate parts.
Pro tip: Keep grass clippings and falling leaves away. They can clog the coils and mess with your AC’s efficiency.
5. Use ceiling fans to stay cool
Ceiling fans don’t actually cool the air. But they do create a breeze that makes you feel cooler.
This lets you set your thermostat about 4°F higher and still feel just as comfortable.
Sounds awesome, doesn’t it?
Pro tip: Make sure your fan is spinning counterclockwise in the summer. This pushes cool air down, giving you that nice, refreshing breeze. (In the winter, flip it clockwise to push warm air back down.)
6. Seal the drafts and insulate your home
Your AC can be working perfectly, but if all that cool air is escaping, you’re basically cooling the outside world.
And to get the most out of your system, you need to keep the cool air inside where it belongs.
Here’s what I suggest you do:
- Seal windows and doors: Use weatherstripping and caulk to seal any drafts. On a sunny day, go around your windows and doors, and feel for any cold air leaking through. You might be surprised where it’s escaping.
- Check your insulation: Proper attic insulation (R-30 to R-60 is ideal for NJ) helps prevent heat from pouring in. This helps prevent your home from becoming a hot box. A good insulation makes a big difference in keeping things cool without overworking your AC.
7. Prevent humidity build-up
New Jersey summers are famously humid. And that sticky, muggy air can make even the most comfortable temperature feel uncomfortable.
Plus, humidity makes your AC work even harder to remove moisture from the air.
So, what can you do?
- If you’re feeling sticky, add a dehumidifier to areas like the basement or laundry room. A well-functioning AC does dehumidify, but sometimes it’s just not enough for those extra humid spots.
- Also, keep your indoor humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent for the best comfort and efficiency.
8. Upgrade to a smart thermostat
Still rocking that old manual thermostat?
You could be missing out on some serious energy savings.
A smart thermostat learns your schedule and automatically adjusts the temperature when you’re away or asleep.
How?
You can control it right from your phone, and it gives you detailed energy usage reports, so you know exactly where your money’s going.
On top of that, many NJ utility companies offer rebates for upgrading to a smart thermostat, which can lower the upfront cost.
9. Take advantage of NJ’s energy efficiency rebates
If you’re thinking about upgrading your AC to a more energy-efficient model, New Jersey has some great programs to help you save money.
For instance, the NJ Clean Energy Program offers rebates for installing energy-efficient HVAC equipment and smart thermostats.
These upgrades not only make your home more comfortable but can also significantly lower your cooling bills in the long run.
Schedule Your Free Estimate Today
Contact us to improve your indoor air
quality with our expert cleaning services in NJ.
In short, here are all the HVAC tips for summer in New Jersey:
| Tip | What to Do | Why it Helps | Quick Tip |
| 1 | Get a Pre-Summer Tune-Up | Makes sure your AC is ready for the heat. | Book early to avoid the summer rush! |
| 2 | Change Air Filter Regularly | Keeps your AC running smoothly and saves energy. | Change it monthly, especially in summer. |
| 3 | Set Thermostat to 78°F | Saves energy and keeps you cool. | Raise it 7-10°F when you’re not home to save more. |
| 4 | Clean and Clear Outdoor Unit | Helps your AC run better and cooler. | Keep 2-3 feet of space around it, no pressure washers! |
| 5 | Use Ceiling Fans | Helps you feel cooler without cranking the AC. | Make sure fans spin counterclockwise in summer. |
| 6 | Seal Drafts & Insulate | Keeps cool air inside and saves energy. | Seal windows/doors and check attic insulation. |
| 7 | Use a Dehumidifier | Reduces sticky, uncomfortable humidity. | Keep humidity between 30-50% for the best comfort. |
| 8 | Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat | Saves energy by adjusting automatically. | Check for NJ rebates to save on the upgrade. |
| 9 | Use NJ Energy Rebates | Get money back for upgrading your AC and thermostat. | Save money on energy-efficient upgrades. |
You might also want to read: 7 Expert-backed HVAC Tips For Winter In New Jersey.
Final thoughts
By now, you know all the essential HVAC tips for summer in New Jersey.
You see, NJ summers demand a lot from your home’s cooling system. But with the above summer HVAC tips, you can enjoy a season of reliable, efficient, and comfortable cooling.
Be it a simple filter change or a professional tune-up, each of these tips will help you stay cool, save money, and avoid the distress of a mid-summer breakdown.
Need a hand getting your system summer-ready?
We’re here to help!
At Clean Air Technologies, we’ve been helping NJ homeowners stay comfortable for nearly 30 years.
Reach out to us today for a pre-summer tune-up, and we’ll make sure your HVAC system is all set to beat the heat.
FAQs about hvac maintenance tips for summer
How often should I run my AC to keep my home cool?
I suggest you run it consistently rather than turning it completely off and on.
Also, set your thermostat at a consistent but slightly higher temperature when you’re out. For instance, 85°F is more efficient than turning it off and forcing the system to work extra hard to cool down a hot house when you return.
My AC is running but not cooling well. What’s wrong?
This could be a few things: a dirty air filter, low refrigerant, a dirty condenser coil, or a failing component.
Start by checking and replacing the filter. If that doesn’t solve it, it’s time to call a professional for a diagnosis.
Is it worth closing vents in unused rooms?
Generally, no.
Modern central AC systems are designed to balance airflow throughout the entire duct system. Closing vents can increase pressure in the ducts, forcing your system to work harder and potentially leading to leaks or other damage.
What should I do if my AC completely stops working during a heatwave?
First, check your circuit breaker to see if it has tripped. If it has, reset it. If it trips again, call a professional.
Also, ensure your thermostat has batteries and is set to cool. If these simple steps don’t work, shut the system off and call for emergency service to prevent further damage.
