How Snow & Ice Can Affect Your HVAC System

Winter weather brings snow and ice, which can create breathtaking vistas and festive atmospheres; however, it can also cause problems for your HVAC equipment. When snow piles up or ice forms around your unit, it can reduce performance, lead to damage, or even cause your heating system to stop working altogether.

In this blog post, the HVAC experts at Frasier’s Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical explore how snow and ice can impact your HVAC system, offering tips on how to prevent these winter issues from damaging your equipment.

Effects of Snow & Ice on HVAC Units

Snow and ice can impact various HVAC units in different ways. Below is a breakdown of how this can affect boilers, heat pumps, and furnaces:

Boilers

Snow accumulation during the winter can block the vents on outdoor boilers, preventing dangerous gases like carbon monoxide from safely escaping. Additionally, extremely low temperatures can cause the water inside the boiler’s pipes to freeze and expand, potentially leading to burst pipes and costly repairs.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps rely on airflow to operate efficiently. When snow and ice buildup around the unit, it restricts the flow of air and forces the system to work harder than it should. Ice buildup on the heat pump’s coils can also prevent them from transferring heat properly. If left untreated, this can lead to mechanical failure.

Furnaces

Like boilers, furnaces often have vents that allow harmful gases to escape. When these vents are blocked by snow or ice, they can create a serious safety hazard. Additionally, if a furnace’s outdoor components get covered in ice or snow, it can cause the system to overwork, leading to increased wear and tear.

How To Prevent Problems With Your Heater

Fortunately, there are several steps that homeowners can take to protect their HVAC equipment from the damaging effects of snow and ice, including:

• Clearing the area around your unit: Regularly remove snow and ice from around your outdoor HVAC unit to prevent blockages and allow for proper airflow.
• Install a cover: Using a breathable cover during the winter months can help keep snow and ice from building up directly on your heat pump or other outdoor HVAC units.
• Elevate your HVAC unit: If possible, elevate your unit above the snow line to prevent snow from piling up around it.
• Check vents regularly: Ensure that all vents are clear of obstructions and keep an eye on them throughout the winter to prevent blockages.
• Schedule routine maintenance: Professional maintenance before winter hits can help ensure that your system is in good shape and prepared to handle the cold weather.

Choose Frasier’s for Expert HVAC Services

When winter hits, you don’t want to be left out in the cold due to HVAC problems caused by snow and ice. At Frasier’s Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical, our team offers the fast, effective heating solutions that Northern Wisconsin families have trusted for over 100 years. Whether you need maintenance, repairs, or a new installation, our experienced HVAC technicians will ensure your system is ready to handle whatever winter throws its way.

Has snow or ice damaged your heating system? Contact our team to schedule heating repair in Northern Wisconsin today.