If your home in Kirkwood, MO, has a heat pump, you rely on it for year-round comfort. However, your HVAC system must withstand the elements to remain functional. Here’s what you need to know about how snow and ice can affect your heat pump.
Operational Effects of Snow and Ice on Heat Pump
When snow and ice accumulate around your outdoor condenser, the first thing it will affect is its functionality. Heat pumps collect heat energy from the outdoor air to warm your home. If anything obstructs airflow around your system’s outdoor unit, its performance will suffer.
Whenever it snows, it’s a good idea to clear accumulations away from the perimeter of your outdoor unit. Ideally, you want at least two feet of clearance on all sides. That will help maintain adequate airflow while your system runs.
Physical Effects of Snow and Ice
It’s important to know that if you keep your heat pump running during a winter storm, it should escape damage. These systems have an automatic defrost cycle that prevents outdoor coils from freezing.
This defrost mode will activate periodically when the unit senses coil temperatures below safe levels. If you don’t keep your HVAC system running, it may suffer damage when you turn it on.
Dangers of Falling Ice
Finally, it’s worth pointing out that your system’s outdoor unit may suffer damage from falling ice. If it sits alongside your home under a gutter, keeping that gutter clear of debris is essential. If it overflows in cold weather, ice may form on its edge that can fall into your outdoor unit.
If you believe your heat pump suffered damage from a snow or ice storm in Kirkwood, MO, we can help. Call C & G Heating & Cooling today to schedule a heat pump repair appointment.
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