When the cold weather hits, your HVAC system becomes a lifesaver. But ice, snow and freezing weather conditions can take a toll on your system. Here’s what to know about taking care of your HVAC in winter.
Should you run your HVAC fan in winter?
HVAC fans are designed to continuously run. Newer systems have an “auto” fan setting that will run depending on the temperature conditions in your home. While some owners worry that running an HVAC furnace fan continuously will shorten the life of their system, stopping and starting the fan is much more stressful on the system than having it continuously run. Assuming your system is in good repair, running your fan can be good for your utility bills, and your comfort, especially when it comes to the dry air that happens for many inside the home during this season. Heat pump fans will run whenever the system is on – just make sure that the blades aren’t frozen from ice or debris.
How to defrost your HVAC in winter
Seeing some ice on your HVAC unit in winter is normal. External units such as heat pumps typically have automatic self-defrost controls that switch on at regular intervals to prevent major ice build-up. But extreme weather events, excess leaf debris, and poor ventilation can restrict airflow and prevent auto-defrosting. Keep your unit clean, especially after storms, and remove significant ice build-up if it occurs.
How to protect your HVAC in winter
To protect your HVAC unit from freezing over, check that the condenser unit is mounted above the ground, and that it’s out of the way of dripping eaves or falling leaves. Monitor it closely during times of heavy snowfall or freezing rain and remove excess ice as necessary. Be sure that the exhaust isn’t blocked, and change out your filters so that your system doesn’t have to work overtime.
Book a winter HVAC service appointment
In short, ice on your HVAC unit in winter is normal. But severe weather conditions can cause your HVAC unit to completely freeze up, damaging your system and requiring significant repairs. To keep your system in top shape, keep an eye on the weather, remove excess ice from your unit, and invest in regular preventative maintenance.
If your HVAC system isn’t working at maximum efficiency this winter, talk to the team at Shaw. We’ll help get your system back on track so that you can avoid major repairs – and stay warm and snug this winter. Ask us about our annual maintenance package.