Categories: HVAC

Addressing Issues With Snow & Ice on Your HVAC System

The winter season can be tiring since you have to ensure your driveway and roof are kept clear of ice and snow. Your outdoor HVAC unit and furnace installation are also subject to snow and ice buildup during this season, so it’s important to learn how to clear them off to ensure their heating capabilities aren’t affected. 

How It Happens

Unlike rain, snow and ice don’t evaporate immediately. This means they can accumulate on your HVAC system’s outdoor unit and affect its performance and airflow. When this happens, the condensers and coil fins can get damaged, especially when moisture gets between them and freezes. Falling icicles can also harm your outdoor unit if they’re not cleared out properly. They can clog your furnace’s exhaust pipes and compromise its heating capability, as well. 

Useful Tips to Follow

  • Check and clean your exhaust – If you have a furnace or heat pump installation, make sure that there isn’t any snow or ice accumulating on the exhaust vent. Otherwise, this can prevent carbon monoxide gas from escaping out of your home properly, and may even cause it to  enter your indoor ventilation system, posing a serious threat to your family’s health.

  • Clean your outdoor unit – Snow and ice can build up on the ground around your HVAC system’s outdoor unit during the winter season. Use a shovel to clear around it, but do so carefully so you don’t accidentally hit the fins of your unit. Snow and ice can also accumulate on top of your outdoor unit, so use a small brush or your gloved hands to carefully clear it off.

  • Call in a professional technician – This is what you should do if you think there’s an issue with your HVAC system. Attempting to DIY the repairs isn’t worth the trouble and will probably only lead to more unwanted costs. You could even void your warranty if it’s still intact!

Changing your filter when fall arrives will help ensure that your indoor air stays clean throughout the upcoming winter season. If you’re looking for excellent HVAC installation and maintenance services, Perfect Degree HVAC always gets the job done right. Call us at (610) 529-7372 or fill out our online contact form today!

Jennifer Woodruff

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