When you look out your windows and see it is snowing, you are always glad your HVAC system is working properly. However, while the snow may look pretty as it covers the ground, it could potentially create some problems for your heating system. If you are wondering how that pretty white snow can harm your HVAC system, here are a few of the most common ways and some tips on how to prevent any damage from occurring.
Damaged Components
Once several inches of snow begins to accumulate on your heat pump, the weight of the snow can be surprisingly heavy, especially if it is a wet snow. As it piles up, the extra weight on your heat pump can result in certain components getting bent and possibly shattering. In most cases, this will apply to the aluminum fan and coil fins. Thus, once you see snow beginning to pile up, sweep it off right away.
Rust and Corrosion
When snow begins to pile up on your HVAC system, remember that it will also eventually melt. While this sounds good, the result of that melting snow can be water that enters your system’s equipment, then once again freezes. As the water freezes and then melts, the resulting expansion and contraction will lead to rust and corrosion throughout the system.
Frozen Pipes
As various parts of your HVAC system begin to get covered in snow, an HVAC contractor will also know that allowing your system to remain covered in snow and ice can lead to frozen pipes in your home, especially in your attic, basement, or garage. This will not only make it harder for your system to operate correctly, but also create the risk that your pipes may burst.
Shorter Lifespan
Finally, if you pay little attention to the snow that is piling up on your HVAC system, you can probably expect to be paying for repairs on a regular basis, or perhaps even find yourself having to buy an entirely new system. When snow and ice are allowed to inflict their damage, you can plan on your system’s motor, fans, and other components having to work much harder than normal. As this goes on indefinitely, it won’t be long until the motor or something else gives out altogether.
While you may not be able to do anything about the weather, you can do something about how the bad weather impacts your HVAC system. By removing snow as soon as possible and knowing when strange noises or other things indicate something just isn’t right, you can keep your HVAC system running smoothly all winter long.
