We’ve covered a lot on how to prepare your pipes for winter and how to lower high winter power bills, and we’ve answered frequently asked questions about your heating system, but what about how the weather actually affects your home’s HVAC system?
In the Montgomery County area of Pennsylvania, we experience extremely low temperatures during winter, which brings a lot of snow and ice that we need to be prepared for.
Here’s a breakdown of how winter conditions can impact your HVAC unit and how to prevent any lasting effects as we move into spring and summer. Our HVAC experts have found that homes often experience inefficient operation, excessive noise, and increased strain during winter due to harsh weather conditions like snow and ice.
Inefficient Operation
The main issue that arises is when snow and ice encase the unit and trigger an emergency shut-off as the system freezes up. This cuts off heat to your home, which could cause burst pipes that result in significant property damage as the temperature drops.
If you have a gas furnace or boiler, melting snow can seep in and re-freeze and your pipes may become covered in ice, which can cause your furnace to shut down.
HVAC Unit Making Loud Noises
Ice and snow can build up on the aluminum fan and coil fins, which will bend them. This can cause your HVAC unit to make loud sounds while operating and can eventually burst the fins.
Heating System Working Twice As Hard
Snow and ice can cause the system’s components to work twice as hard and limit the airflow, which can cause your unit to short-circuit and burn out faster than expected.
Note: Make sure to check your system’s air filters regularly. A clogged filter will restrict its airflow and can make it hard for your system to reach the desired temperature.
Protecting Your Home’s Heating System From Winter Weather
- Clear away all debris: First, clear out any debris that has gathered around or on top of your unit.
- Cover your unit: What you do to cover your unit will depend on where the unit is. But you must ensure that air can continue to circulate near your unit, or you risk a fire hazard or worse. You can build a small roof over your unit or even construct an entire freestanding shelter around it.
Note: Keep the unit at least 18 inches away from the exterior wall to increase air passage and avoid drifting exposure.
- Cover all pipes: This is a very important step if your unit can be affected by extremely cold temperatures.
- Shovel away the snow buildup: Snow buildup should be shoveled away, gutters should be inspected so they’re not dripping on the unit, and ice should be melted away with warm water, avoiding ice picks and possible damage to the system.
Lansdale Heating Repair Company
Are you noticing that winter has taken a toll on your heating system? Perhaps your furnace is making strange noises, leading you to suspect a furnace replacement is needed. Or maybe it isn’t heating as effectively as it once did, making you consider a heating repair. Donnelly’s Cooling, Heating & Plumbing can help.
We offer a range of heating services in the Lansdale, PA, area. The next time you suspect your heater needs repair, contact us. Our experts are known for their high-quality work and can help identify the cause of your heating issues and the best solution. It’s no secret that ice and snow can affect HVAC units, which is why we’re here to assist you.
Our Heating Services
Even in the Middle of the Night, We’re Here to Help
Donnelly’s Cooling, Heating & Plumbing has provided exceptional customer service and quality work to our local communities in Chester, Bucks, Montgomery, and Delaware counties for over 50 years.
\Whether you’re dealing with low water pressure, need to tune up your water heater, need emergency help with a plumbing problem right this second, or are looking for your main water valve, give us a call. Contact us online at any time to schedule service.
Want tips on how to keep your home well-maintained year-around? Contact us today to learn more and get started.
