Prepare your home for a safe and comfortable winter.
How winter impacts your HVAC system. With winter on its way, homeowners throughout Missouri and Illinois are thinking about the impact this cold weather season has on their home. You will need to dig the snowblower from out of the garage and stock up on ice melt. Of course, you are anticipating putting your heating system to work over the next few months. Consider, too, how the winter weather affects your HVAC appliances and system functioning.
The Outdoor Unit
With winter in the midwest comes the occasional snowfall or ice buildup. For homes with an outdoor condenser unit or heat pump, it's important to pay attention to the weather this winter.
It can be easy to keep your air conditioning system out of mind in the winter when it's not in use. However, outdoor A/C condenser units can be affected. Snow or ice accumulation on and around the unit can block airflow and cause rusting and corrosion.
Ice and snow can also impact an outdoor heat pump. With the heat pump in operation, a pile of snow, a sheet of ice, or standing water that has melted can damage and interfere with the functioning of the heat pump.
The Exhaust Vent
Your furnace is connected to an exhaust vent on the roof. The vent is critical, as the furnace produces carbon monoxide when it generates heat. If snow or ice builds up on top of the vent or anything otherwise obstructs the vent or the connecting piping, the results can be dangerous at worst, and expensive at best. Pipes can leak, carbon monoxide can build up in the home, and the system could be significantly damaged.
How To Protect Your HVAC System This Winter
- Monitor your outdoor unit. When snow builds up on or around the unit, clear it away gently, being careful not to impact or damage any part of the unit in the process.
- Remove ice. When icicles form, they can eventually break off and fall. Icicles that form above your unit can be especially dangerous. Remove them before they become too large and become a hazard to your condenser unit.
- Prepare for the melt. When temperatures start to go back up, ice and snow will melt. This melting can result in water collecting in or around the unit. Clear as much snow as you can beforehand to reduce the chance of water damage. If you do notice water, call your HVAC technician.
- Check your filter. Check your furnace filter often. When your furnace is running, it pulls more debris in and thus requires more frequent filter changes. A clear aif filter helps heat your home more efficiently and effectively.
- Schedule maintenance. Preventative maintenance on your heating, cooling, and ventilation systems supports the health of your home HVAC system and helps your family stay comfortable and avoid costly emergency repairs all year long. Schedule a maintenance visit today by filling out the form.
Get HVAC Service This Winter | Weis Comfort Systems
When in doubt, call the professionals. Weis Comfort Systems has been serving Greater St. Louis area families since 1974. For quick, courteous, professional service to heat and cool your home, lower your gas and energy bills, and prevent hazards and emergencies, count on us. Send us a message or call the location nearest you today.
