Living near the University of Delaware brings energy, convenience, and a vibrant sense of community—but it also brings something unexpected: unique HVAC challenges in the winter. Whether you live in College Park, Cherry Hill, The Hunt at Louviers, or anywhere within a few miles of campus, you’ve probably noticed your HVAC system working harder than homes just a few towns away.
January is one of the most demanding months for Newark homeowners, largely due to a combination of winter weather and the university’s post-holiday activity spike. From increased traffic and heating demand to fluctuating indoor temperatures caused by foot traffic and frequent door openings, the campus winter surge affects more than just the neighborhood noise level—it affects your home’s energy use and comfort.
Here’s what Newark homeowners should know—and how Aire Serv of Newark can help keep your system running at its best all winter long.
1. Increased Traffic Means More Cold Air Infiltration
In January, thousands of students return to Newark after winter break. With that comes:
- More cars warming up and idling
- Higher foot traffic near campus neighborhoods
- More doors opening and closing throughout the day
- Increased outside air movement around homes
If you live near South College Ave., Academy Street, or the neighborhoods around Main Street, this added activity can create drafts and temperature swings indoors. Homes closest to campus often lose heat faster because cold air enters each time someone comes or goes—and because the outside air is constantly being “stirred up” by the crowd.
Even small drafts force your heating system to cycle more frequently, increasing energy bills.
2. Multi-Unit and Rental Conversions Impact Nearby Homes
Many properties near UD are rentals, duplexes, or older homes converted into student housing. These homes often have:
- Older heating equipment
- Poor insulation
- Excessive heat loss
- Constant thermostat adjustments
When neighboring homes leak heat or run older equipment inefficiently, it can subtly influence the temperature regulation of nearby houses—especially in tightly packed neighborhoods like Devon, Drummond Ridge, and College Park.
Your HVAC may end up compensating for the colder air that consistently surrounds your home.
3. UD Winter Weather Patterns Are Different From Surrounding Towns
Newark’s location creates a unique winter pattern:
- Cold air pools in low-lying areas near campus
- Wind tunnels form between academic buildings
- Morning temperatures dip lower than areas farther from town
- Humidity remains higher due to pedestrian traffic and melting snow
This microclimate affects nearby homes significantly. Properties within a 1–2 mile radius of campus often experience stronger winds, colder mornings, and more frequent freeze–thaw cycles. These conditions increase heat loss, forcing your HVAC to work harder just to maintain your usual comfort level.
4. Constant Thermostat Fluctuations = Higher Energy Bills
If you live near the university, the rhythm of daily activity in your home changes when students return:
- Earlier mornings mean more heating cycles
- More comings and goings create repeated heat loss
- Lower temperatures make homeowners raise the thermostat
- Evening events increase household traffic
Every one of these small changes puts additional stress on your HVAC system. Many homeowners near campus notice their energy bills jump noticeably in January—even without a drop in indoor comfort.
5. Furnace and Heat Pump Wear Accelerates in Campus-Adjacent Homes
Your HVAC equipment may experience:
- Longer run times
- More frequent start/stop cycles
- Faster filter clogging due to increased local traffic
- Hot/cold swings that strain components
This is especially true for homes near East Cleveland Ave., Park Place, and Elkton Road, where population density and winter foot traffic peak during January.
A gentle hum of activity outside your home can translate into real mechanical strain inside it.
Stay Comfortable Through Newark’s Winter Surge With Aire Serv
Whether you’re right by campus or just close enough to feel its winter impact, Aire Serv of Newark is here to help you beat the January strain. Our local technicians understand Newark’s unique microclimate, the challenges of living near UD, and the subtle factors that affect HVAC performance in student-adjacent neighborhoods.
We offer:
- Winter tune-ups
- Efficiency evaluations
- Insulation and airflow guidance
- Heat pump optimization
- Furnace diagnostics
- Indoor air quality improvements
Keep your home warm, efficient, and comfortable—no matter how busy campus gets.
Aire Serv of Newark keeps your home steady when the community around you isn’t.
