Reasons To Keep Your HVAC System Protected From Snow And Ice This Winter
At JOB Heating & Air Conditioning, Saskatoon we are eager to provide the best possible customer experience, our aim is to be a professional resource for our clients before, during and after the sale! Our team takes pride in our service knowledge in regards to modern industry equipment and training. We are recognized by peers and offer sales, service, training & installations for residential, and commercial Heating, Cooling and Plumbing systems in Saskatoon and area. In our latest article, we share reasons to keep your HVAC system protected from snow and ice this winter.
The harsh elements are hard on anything left outside throughout the winter. Although air conditioner units are built to withstand winter conditions, they need help to remain protected. Especially in freezing temperatures, here are some reasons to keep your HVAC system’s outdoor unit protected this winter:
Built-Up Ice Damages The Outdoor Unit 
Ice build up causes damage to the outside as well as the inside of your outdoor HVAC unit. As snow melts and re-freezes, cold temperatures cause blocks of ice to be created in roofs, gutters, and other surfaces. Falling ice can cause damage to the exterior of your unit, and well as the lines connected to your system.
Ice build up also causes internal damage to your unit. If snow and ice are not removed and build up on your outdoor HVAC unit, it causes components of the system to freeze. Extreme enough temperatures can cause motors to freeze, making your compressor unusable. The worst part, is that you may not notice there is damage until you go to turn on your unit when the warmer months hit.
Rust Is Destructive 
When snow and water are around, rust is an issue. Particularly when combined with exposure to oxygen in the air, water expedites the oxidation process. Although materials such as copper are resistant to corrosion, they are not rust-proof. Eventually, rust leads to a coil losing capacity to operate and transfer heat properly under pressure.
As rust will effect the internal parts of your HVAC unit, it will also damage the external or structural parts of your system. Although these components are painted or sealed, this is not enough to combat the power of rust. Typically however, issues commence in unsealed locations such as bolts, screws, and the holes that keep your system together.
Snow And Ice Limit Air Flow
Heat pumps are popular heating systems for many homeowners. Modern heat pumps easily heat a home efficiently even in temperatures below freezing. However, in order to be able to function, they must have access to enough heat which can only be drawn from the air around them. Therefore, airflow is crucial for these systems. If snow and ice accumulate and block airflow it prevents the system from doing its job effectively.
HVAC systems that fill up with snow will result in a similar situation. If snow enters the cage surrounding your interior components, heat transfer is not possible. As a result, your heat pump freezes and your home will not have the heat supply it needs to be kept warm.
Ways To Protect Your Outdoor HVAC Unit 
Protecting your outdoor HVAC unit from snow and ice is important to keep it in good working condition. Here are ways to protect your outdoor HVAC unit:
- During snow storms always cover your HVAC system. Covering the system at all times gives critters a place to build a home and find shelter, which causes damage.
- After a heavy snowfall, brush or sweep snow off of your unit. Snow and ice build up causes damage.
- Clear away the snow around the outdoor unit (at least a one foot radius). With a heat pump system, the radius should be three to four feet.
- Never use hot water to defrost a frozen air conditioner. Hot water mixed with snow causes temperature shock which can shatter even rigid metal.
- Always have your air conditioner inspected before use in the warmer months to ensure there is no lasting damage from the winter elements.
These are a few reasons to keep your HVAC system protected from snow and ice this winter. Be sure to protect your system from the elements, and schedule your routine HVAC maintenance to ensure your system is running as it should. If you need any assistance with your furnace or home heating and cooling equipment, do not hesitate to contact our team at JOB Heating & Air Conditioning.
JOB Heating & Air Conditioning is a Trusted Saskatoon plumbing company. We show up on time, deliver on budget and we leave the work area cleaner than when we arrived! At JOB we take pride in our plumbing services in this city and surrounding area, so nothing means more to us than testimonials from our clients as their preferred plumber in Saskatoon.
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