Your outdoor HVAC unit is a vital part of your system. Snow and ice can present challenges during the winter, especially if you are ill-prepared. DeWolfe Plumbing, Heating & Cooling in West Boylston, MA, wants you to understand the implications of snow and ice on your outdoor HVAC unit. Let’s look at what you should know and what you can do to reduce the impact.
Ice and Snow Accumulation
Manufacturers design outdoor HVAC units to withstand the elements. Snow and ice storms can present an additional concern over rain and wind because of extreme temperatures and accumulation. Snow and ice can cover your outdoor unit and prevent it from operating safely.
Airflow Obstruction
Airflow obstruction is one of the most significant dangers of snow and ice accumulation. Your outdoor unit requires a steady flow of air to operate effectively. Heat transfer becomes restricted if snow and ice accumulate around the unit or on the interior fins and coils. This restriction causes your HVAC unit to work much harder than necessary. You will have higher energy costs at the very least, but your unit could also suffer damage due to system strain.
HVAC System Component Damage
Outdoor HVAC units have several components that can become damaged with snow and ice accumulation, including the fins, coils, fan, and compressor. Damaged parts require immediate AC or heating repairs so that a technician can install replacements, but a compressor is expensive enough to replace that it often warrants getting an entirely new system.
HVAC Coils and Fins
Coils and fins work to transfer heat, and ice and snow accumulation can damage them and prevent normal function. Ice buildup can also cause physical damage to the coils and fins. Winters with repeated freezing and thawing cycles can cause ongoing damage that leaves the fins and coils irreparable.
HVAC Fan Assembly Components
Ice and snow accumulation on the fan blades can cause a weight imbalance, leading to wobbling and improper rotation. The added weight to the fan assembly can cause the fan motor to blow out, leading to potential overheating and system failure. With severe weight, your fan blades can break, requiring a replacement.
HVAC System Compressor Components
Ice and snow can damage compressors, leading to overheating or sluggish operation. If the compressor becomes overtaxed by heavy snow or ice, your circuit breaker may trip.
Ice Hazards for Electrical Components
Dangers can occur as moisture freezes around the electrical panels and wiring of your equipment. As snow and ice melt, water can drip into the electrical system. Thawing and refreezing can lead to further damage.
During severe winter weather, your outdoor unit’s electrical system can short-circuit or corrode, causing intermittent or complete system failure. Snow and ice can also potentially cause safety hazards due to electric shock.
Potential Issues with the Warranty
Many HVAC manufacturers require proper maintenance to honor a system warranty. Manufacturers may consider failure to address the unit’s ice and snow effects as neglect, voiding the warranty. If your system becomes damaged outside of warranty coverage, you will be responsible for the full cost of repairs or replacement. Therefore, it’s essential to follow all manufacturer guidelines for system care. A membership plan for ongoing maintenance of your HVAC units is the easiest way to stay on top of it and preserve the warranty.
Reduced HVAC System Lifespan
HVAC units are a significant financial investment, so protecting their lifespans is essential. Consistent exposure to heavy ice and snow can strain your HVAC unit, potentially shortening its lifespan. With continued exposure, you may notice your system needs more frequent and involved repairs.
Heat Pump Defrost Cycles
Heat pumps feature defrost cycles designed to melt ice buildup on outdoor units. Although these cycles work well for light accumulation, heavy snow and ice can overwhelm the process and leave your heat pump struggling. It’s vital to pay careful attention to your heat pump’s defrost cycle. If it begins malfunctioning, seek repairs from our technicians.
How to Protect Your Outdoor Unit
Our team recommends protecting your outdoor HVAC unit from the onslaught of ice and snow during winter. We can help you determine the best forms of protection from those below.
Install a Protective Cover
In winter, you may benefit from covering your outdoor AC unit with a breathable cover. AC unit covers protect the vulnerable components inside the housing and prevent ice and snow buildup. Make sure that you don’t cover your heat pump during the winter, as this could prevent the system from working correctly.
Elevate the HVAC Unit
Unit elevation can help prevent blocked airflow during snow and ice storms. We can install a new concrete platform or special pad to elevate your unit above ground level, offering increased protection.
Clear Snow and Ice Regularly
Clear your outdoor HVAC unit regularly during significant snow and ice events. First, use a soft broom to brush the snow from the top of your unit. Then, use a shovel to clear a path around it for proper airflow. Always shut the unit off before addressing snow and ice buildup.
Check for Proper Drainage
Your unit needs ample drainage to work properly. Check the area around your outdoor unit and ensure a slope leads away from it to prevent snow and ice from melting from pooling and refreezing.
Check Your Gutter System
Water dripping from your gutter system can create heavy icicles. When they fall, they can damage your outdoor unit components. To prevent damage, regularly check your gutters during the winter and remove any hanging icicles near your outdoor unit.
When to Call a Professional
Although you can inspect your outdoor unit and attempt to keep it free of snow accumulation, other preventative tasks are best left to professionals. If you notice any of the following signs, call a technician.
- Unusual noises during operation
- Frequent circuit breaker trips
- Burning smells
- Decreased heating efficiency
- Decreased airflow from the vents
If you notice these signs, do not continue operating your system. Our professional HVAC technicians can inspect your outdoor and indoor units to determine if accumulating ice and snow has damaged them. Prompt repairs will protect your system’s performance, efficiency, and lifespan.
Dispelling the Myths of Ice and Snow
Some homeowners in West Boylston may believe myths they have heard about ice and snow accumulation on their outdoor units. We want to dispel these myths and help you protect your system.
Pouring Hot Water on Ice
While it may seem like a quick and easy fix for ice and snow accumulation, never pour hot water on your outdoor HVAC unit. Doing so can cause thermal shock, leading to cracked components and other damage. Call a professional HVAC technician instead.
Turning Off the Heating System
You may also mistakenly believe that shutting your unit off during a snow or ice storm will prevent damage. Unfortunately, this can increase the risk of frozen components causing system damage.
Schedule Regular System Maintenance
Ideally, you should schedule HVAC maintenance in late summer or early fall to ensure your system is ready for the ice and snow of winter. We will inspect your system and offer protective services like pipe and wiring protection to help prevent damage.
DeWolfe Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is a plumbing, heating, and cooling company located in West Boylston. We offer a wide array of cooling and heating services, including installation, maintenance, and repairs for all major systems and components, including heat pumps, mini-splits, and boilers. Our team also offers drain assistance, duct repairs, excavation, and indoor air quality services.
Call our expert team at DeWolfe Plumbing, Heating & Cooling if you need HVAC services in West Boylston or a surrounding community.
