Risks to Your HVAC System During Winter Storms

Winter storms can lead to snow days, and road hazards and exposure to cold air at these times can make everyday activities dangerous and difficult. A winter storm is characterized by snow, sleet or freezing rain as the primary precipitation. Winter storms can be destructive since they’re frequently accompanied by severe winds and below-freezing temperatures, and your HVAC system isn’t impervious to these threats. How can winter storms damage your HVAC system, and how can you prevent it from happening in the first place? Water heater repair expert Tyler LLC is here to help!

 

Falling ice. Falling ice may not sound so bad, but keep in mind that ice is still a form of water, and it can be dangerous when it expands in volume and mass! Ice storms are common in some places, and when they occur, they can keep people trapped inside their homes for days. Your HVAC system will also be affected by ice. As sheets, icicles and pieces of ice fall from your roof, they can drop directly onto your air conditioner. A single strong icicle could cause damage to the outer cabinet, grill or fan of your HVAC unit, because they’re generally located directly beneath the home’s roofline.

 

Water. After heavy rains or bouts of snowfall, water can collect at the base of your outdoor HVAC unit in the winter. Excessive moisture exposure can cause vulnerable HVAC equipment to rust, reducing its functionality. When water backs up in your system and temperatures drop, ice can develop and expand, causing your system to fail. Your HVAC expert can check to see if the area around your system is set to appropriately drain excess water during your next system inspection. Remember, regular inspections can easily decrease your AC repair costs because you’ll be able to prevent minor issues noted by your HVAC technician from evolving into major problems.

 

Heat pump blockages. It’s never a good idea to cover an outdoor heat pump. Wind and rain can blow pine straw, limbs and other debris onto your pump during the winter. Layers of snow can even cover your pump during a snowstorm. If a heat pump is covered in anything, even ice, it will vibrate more while it runs, putting stress on the refrigerant lines and eventually causing leaks. To prevent damage and avoid difficulties, maintain all the external components of your HVAC system, keeping them clear of debris at all times of the year, especially in the winter.

 

Contact Us!

 

If you need a reputable AC repair company to help with your home, Tyler LLC is a professional HVAC and refrigeration specialist that focuses on providing innovative solutions to all our clients and customers. We offer customers a variety of thoughtful, cost-effective, efficient solutions that meet their true needs and requirements. We’re also OSHA 10 and NATE certified, have EPA Universal certification and have recently been awarded the 2021 Angie’s List “Super Service” Award.

 

To make inquiries, contact us by calling (203) 378-4700 or filling out our contact form to request an estimate. We proudly serve clients and homeowners in the state of Connecticut.