3 Tips To Protect Your HVAC System From Ice and Snow
The outdoor unit for your HVAC system is constructed to take quite a beating. However, snow and ice during the winter season can wreak havoc on the internal components of your unit. To help preserve the longevity of your HVAC system, it's best to utilize the three tips that we're going to go over below.
Keep Your Air Intake Vent Clear
Your HVAC system constantly needs fresh air from the outdoors to function correctly. This air enters your HVAC system through the air intake vent. However, whenever snow or ice gets stuck in the vent, it can block the free flow of air through it. This will essentially starve your HVAC system and keep it from operating.
If your system isn't working, head outside and check your intake vent. Remove any buildup snow and ice debris. Then, shut off your HVAC system for a minute to give it time to reset properly. Turn your unit back on, and it should start right up.
Remove Snow and Ice Buildup
When it comes to getting a lot of snow or extremely freezing temperatures for a while, you need to be concerned with your HVAC unit. This type of weather could actually encapsulate your unit and cause it to shut down. When your heating system isn't working, it can lead to frozen pipes inside of your home, among other types of damage.
It's best to remove snow and ice from your unit. A good rule of thumb is to keep the unit and at least an 18-inch radius around the unit clear from snow and other debris. Another great tip is to remove any icicles that may hang over your HVAC unit. These can easily fall and dent your metal unit.
Don't Block the Furnace Exhaust
As your furnace burns its fuel, it will create carbon monoxide. This gas gets piped to the outdoors via the furnace exhaust. With large snowstorms, it's not uncommon for the furnace exhaust pipe to become blocked with snow. This can cause the carbon monoxide to seep back into your house.
While most newer furnaces have safety features that will shut the unit off in the event that the exhaust pipe is blocked, it's still best to catch the problem early. You don't want your HVAC system shutting off on you. Take the time to clear out the exhaust pipe whenever you have a large snowstorm.
Call Us Today
Whenever your HVAC system is not working properly, it's advisable to call our HVAC professionals. They can quickly evaluate the problem and get it fixed. We know that having warmth in the wintertime is a necessity for your family's comfort. You can rely on our HVAC professionals around the clock for all of your HVAC needs.
