The Jersey Shore Homeowner’s Guide to Stress-Free HVAC Comfort
There is nothing quite like that first drive over the Garden State Parkway, catching that first glimpse of the bay. You smell the salt air, feel the humidity shift, and practically taste the fudge from the boardwalk.
But while that Atlantic breeze is great for the soul, it is absolute “kryptonite” for your home’s HVAC system. Salt air and metal do not mix! At Comfort Now, Bob McAllister and his team have spent 40 years learning the quirks of South Jersey housing—from the historic Victorian homes in Cape May to the cozy seasonal bungalows in Villas and Wildwood Crest.
We’re proud to present our top tips for the ultimate, worry-free Jersey Shore lifestyle.
Practical Jersey Shore HVAC Tips & Maintenance
Maintaining a shore home is a different beast than a house in Philly or Cherry Hill. You need your equipment to roar to life the moment you arrive for Memorial Day Weekend and run efficiently throughout the summer.
1. Why Coastal Units Are a Must in Atlantic and Cape May Counties
If you live anywhere near the Inlet in Atlantic City or the Cove in Cape May, the salt in the air acts like sandpaper on your outdoor condenser’s coils. A standard unit that might last 15 years inland can be corroded into a rusted heap in just 5 to 7 years on the coast.
Our Recommendation: Ask about Carrier Coastal units. These are engineered specifically for our shoreline with factory-applied coatings designed to withstand the salt spray.
2. Take Advantage of a Wi-Fi Thermostat
Imagine you’re stuck in Friday afternoon traffic on Route 47 or crawling through Somers Point. It’s 95 degrees, and the humidity is thick enough to chew.
In the old days, you’d walk into a 90-degree house and wait hours for the AC to catch up while you sat in front of a fan.
ot anymore.
Our Recommendation: A Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat is a Shore homeowner’s best friend. You can operate your home’s AC from your phone while passing through Cape May Court House, so it’s a refreshing 72 degrees by the time you’re home.
Even better? If you’re a landlord for a rental near Morey’s Piers, you can receive alerts if a guest leaves the heat at a sweltering 85°F or the AC at a shivering 60°F after they check out.
3. How to Prevent a Frozen Coil
A common mistake is cranking the thermostat down to 60 degrees to cool the house faster. This doesn't speed up the process—it often causes the evaporator coil to freeze into a literal block of ice.
Our Recommendation: We can install thermostats with programmed temperature limits. By ensuring the house never drops below 70 degrees, you protect your equipment from a total system freeze-up.
4. Solving the ‘Sliding Door’ Humidity Dilemmas
Leaving your sliding glass door open while the AC is running means you’re trying to cool the entire beach. This brings in massive amounts of humidity, leading to damp carpets, musty odors, and even mold.
Our Recommendation: For a truly smart home in South Jersey, we can install sensors on your sliding doors. If the door stays open, the sensor automatically pauses the AC to save your wallet and your air quality.
5. Managing HVAC for an Unoccupied Shore House
What do you do with the temp when you head back north on Sunday night? Many people make the mistake of turning the system completely off.
Our Recommendation: In the summer, set the thermostat to 80–83 degrees. This keeps the air moving and the humidity low enough to prevent mildew while you’re away.
In the winter, leave it between 50–60 degrees. This is the sweet spot to save on energy bills and ensure your pipes don't freeze during a January cold snap.
6. Going Ductless With Mitsubishi Mini Splits
Many local homes have multi-level comfort problems, especially third-floor attic conversions or sunrooms. These spots are usually saunas in July and ice boxes in January.
Our Recommendation: You don’t have to tear down walls or add massive ductwork. We specialize in Mitsubishi Ductless systems and Unico Mini Duct systems, providing pinpoint comfort to stubborn rooms without ruining the charm of a historic home.
FAQ: Jersey Shore Heating & Cooling Tips
Q: Is it okay to turn my AC off entirely when I leave for the week?
No. South Jersey humidity is relentless. Keeping it at 80–83 degrees keeps the home dry and prevents that musty shore house smell.
Q: Why is my upstairs so much hotter than my downstairs? Heat rises, and many older homes weren't built with modern airflow in mind. A Mitsubishi ductless mini split is usually the most cost-effective way to fix this without a major renovation.
Contact Comfort Now: Your South Jersey HVAC Experts
Navigating the unique demands of a Jersey Shore home can be tricky. Whether you’re worried about salt corrosion on your beachfront property or need a smart thermostat installation, Bob McAllister and the Comfort Now team are here to help.
With 40 years of local expertise, Bob has seen every HVAC quirk in Atlantic and Cape May Counties.
Ready to upgrade comfort and efficiency in your Shore home? Schedule service online or call us today at 609-363-9027. We’re glad you’re here!