The Snow’s Effect on Your HVAC System

For most of our customers, we have been successful in reiterating the extreme importance of interior HVAC care, specifically the changing of the air filters, switching to programmable thermostats, and getting the system inspected annually by a professional. Another thing we stress though is to never rest on your laurels when it comes to your heater and air-conditioner, specifically when it comes to the outside care of the HVAC unit. Specifically, snow and ice from the winter can have lasting effects well into the spring and summer. Scott Systems 870-536-9449.

Normal Ice Build-Up on Heat Pumps

The first thing you should note is that not all snow and ice that is built up on an HVAC system is an emergency situation. In fact, in a heat pump, it’s a normal part of the operation, especially on extremely frigid days. Heat pumps operate via a refrigerant that absorbs temperature from the Earth’s atmosphere. When the refrigerant absorbs heat excess moisture builds up on the processing coils and when the outside temperatures are at or near zero degrees that moisture freezes up almost instantly. You’ll notice the system run a little more sluggishly on those very brutal cold days but return to normal as the temps start to rise again. Scott Systems 870-536-9449.

How Falling Snow and Ice Wreaks HVAC Havoc

To be honest, even the ‘normal’ ice buildup on heat pumps and HVAC systems is somewhat rare. This is due mainly to the fact that the units are manufactured to account for this moisture freezing with an automatic defrost setting. When an ice buildup is detected the unit switches to a heat-distribution mode that melts the ice off the coils, all while backup heat keeps the house warm. It generally only takes 30 minutes for the defroster to do its job, but it needs airflow to do so. When the snow has built up around the outdoor unit and ice has formed on top of the HVAC components can’t breathe and that defrost cycle doesn’t work – thus raising electricity usage, but more importantly putting incredible wear on the entire system. Scott Systems 870-536-9449.

Could it Cause Legitimate Damage to the HVAC System?

The most impending damage from snow and ice on an HVAC system is the inefficient operation, but there are underlying problems that result as well. The main issue that arises when snow and ice encase the unit is that it triggers an emergency shut-off as the system freezes up. This cuts off heat to the home, which could cause burst pipes that result in property damage as the internal temperatures drop.

As far as physical damage to the outside units, most of the components are designed to withstand the elements in year-round exposure. It’s still possible for snow and ice to build up on the aluminum fan and coil fins and bend them, which would cause loud sounds while operating and will eventually bust the fins. Also, when components have to work twice as hard with limited airflow, they end up short-circuiting and burning out faster than expected. Scott Systems 870-536-9449.

Snow and Ice Maintenance

Protecting the HVAC system from Old Man Winter takes place at installation and continues during the life of the unit. Here are some guidelines that should be followed:

• Don’t install outdoor units directly on the ground and instead far enough up from normal snowfall (6-10” minimum); most HVAC installers do this as a standard part of their installation procedure

• Build a wind barrier with either shrubs or fences but remember to keep them far enough away for servicing and airflow

• Keep the unit at least 18” away from the exterior wall to increase air passage and to avoid drifting exposure

• Monitor your heat pump and outdoor HVAC systems in the winter. Snow buildup should be shoveled away, gutters should be inspected, so they’re not dripping on the unit, and ice should be melted away with warm water avoiding ice picks and possible damage to the system. If temperatures are still freezing out, warm water is often not a good choice as it will merely refreeze. In this case, let the defrost cycle run its course once or twice (give it an hour) or call an HVAC service technician at Scott Systems 870-536-9449.

Like clockwork, we all complain about the snow and ice yet deal with it every year anyway. Inspection of the outdoor unit is just another task along with salting the sidewalks, shoveling the driveway, and putting on long underwear. We’ve got it lucky though, what on Earth do those people on the beach drinking Mai Tai’s talk about from November to April?