Residents of Bakersfield probably know how unpredictable the weather is. HVAC systems are considerably impacted by winter weather. Below are some tips on how winter weather impacts your heating and cooling system.
How Can Ice And Snow Affect My Outdoor Unit?
While the weather is warming up, you still should be mindful of your air conditioner outside while ice or snow is falling. If it is cold out, beware of snow accumulation around and on your A/C unit. It is important to ensure that your A/C is cleared of snow to ensure proper airflow and prevent corrosion or rusting.
You will need to be very attentive to snow or ice around these units if heat pumps operate in heating and cooling modes.
What Effect Will Winter Weather Have On My Furnace?
If there is a likelihood of significant snowfall, keep an eye on your furnace exhaust vent as well as your outdoor unit. It could cause your furnace to malfunction if the exhaust becomes blocked, causing the system to fail. This buildup can also lead to your pipes leaking and malfunctioning.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Ensure Your Outdoor Unit and Exhaust Pipes are Working Properly
Clear snow from the area around the system, and check your gutters to ensure they aren’t dripping on them. Check that no water has accumulated around your air conditioner or heat pump when the temperatures begin to rise again.
When it begins to snow, keep your eyes on your exhaust pipes (PVC piping is commonly found outside near the air conditioner in basement-style homes). Blocking your home’s exhaust pipe due to snow can create a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide.
- Covering Your Air Conditioner is Not Recommended
Covering outdoor units in the cold weather is not recommended since the vast majority are built to withstand harsh winter conditions. Winterized air conditioners can be damaged over time due to moisture trapped in the condenser coils and causing them to freeze. To keep the system from becoming damaged by moisture, you should provide airflow.
- Regularly Check and Replace Furnace Filters
As the temperatures drop, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace has a fresh air filter even when temperatures are at their lowest. For a furnace operating frequently, changing filters more regularly to ensure proper airflow through the heating system is appropriate.
Clogged filters are likely to cause a system breakdown, so you should avoid them as much as possible.
- Whenever You Need Help, Call For It
You should contact a professional as soon as you notice anything amiss with your heating system, whether it’s a sound, a smell, or a problem maintaining the set temperature. A professional HVAC service technician can diagnose the HVAC system during the cold winter days to avoid a breakdown.
With bitter cold and snow in the forecast, Elite Air Services is the team to trust when you need heating! We provide heating services in Bakersfield and surrounding areas. Call us now at (661) 410-8390 to schedule a service for heating repair in Bakersfield.
