6 Tips to Protect Your HVAC System from Snow and Ice

During a snowstorm, you will rely on your furnace for protection against exposure to extreme cold. So, as your leading heating company in New Brighton MN, Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning offers you helpful tips to keep you and your family comfortably warm and safe when a snowstorm hits your area.
Clear tree branches surrounding the outdoor unit.
If you have tree branches or limbs hanging over or around your outdoor HVAC unit, you may think they are harmless during the warmer months. But don’t be so sure during wintertime. When it snows, these branches can grow heavy with snow or ice, causing them to snap off and damage your HVAC unit. To avoid this problem, cut off any risky branches.
Perform a visual check.
A simple visual inspection of your HVAC system can go a long way. Check your furnace from the inside out, including the ducts and registers. Make sure the venting pipe is properly attached and angled appropriately. Inspect the blower belt and see if there are any cracks. Keep in mind to turn off the power to the system at the circuit breaker first. Then, using a screwdriver, take off the steel cover of the air handler. The blower belt is the largest rubber belt in the system.
In case you discover cracks, poor connections, and leaks in the ductwork, contact your preferred HVAC company since visible problems in the ducts are only a part of the problem. There can be similar problems in areas you can’t see.
In addition to these parts, be sure to also check the unit’s combustion system. If you can get a whiff of rotten eggs, it could mean that the furnace has a gas leak somewhere, which requires the skills of a qualified technician.
Avoid snow and ice buildup.
When snow or ice starts to confine your HVAC unit, your system could freeze or perform an emergency shutdown. If this happens, you will be left in the cold, and the pipes in your home might start to freeze as well, causing plumbing issues.
So, clear hanging icicles off of any part of your home that hangs over the HVAC unit to avoid costly damage to the unit.
The best way to prevent damage from snow and ice build-up is to keep the area surrounding your system clear. If you are expecting a feet of snow during a storm, you can clear space of at least 18 inches all around the unit. Also, keep the top and sides of the unit unwrapped. And when removing ice from the outdoor unit, avoid using sharp objects to avoid damaging the coils and fins.
Keep the exhaust unrestricted.
Large piles of snow can clog the exhaust of your furnace and keep the unit from working. Also, this blockage can cause carbon monoxide to start seeping into your home, which can cause serious health problems for your family. Since it is a colorless, odorless gas, it’s best to have a carbon monoxide detector handy to measure CO2 levels in your home. To protect your family, be sure to keep the exhaust open.
Keep the vent spaces clutter-free.
Many homeowners forget to clean the vent openings when thinking about HVAC maintenance. But heated air enters the indoor environment through these vents. If there are barriers like furniture or clothes in front of a vent, the system will not circulate hot air properly. Blocked vents may even result in HVAC malfunctions. So, to ensure your heating system works perfectly, keep the vent spaces open.
Consider professional furnace maintenance.
Most of the service calls we receive originate from a lack of proper system maintenance, which is a crucial part of ensuring a solid performance of your furnace. Just like any other piece of mechanical or electrical equipment, your furnace is prone to premature failure if it’s not properly tuned up.
A qualified professional possesses the knowledge and skills to ensure your system stays in great shape. He will check everything from the motor to electrical connections. He can identify issues and correct them even before they escalate to more serious problems.
Ask the Heating Pros
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your partner in keeping your family safe this winter. To protect your home and family throughout this season, give us a call. We are your trusted Roseville HVAC maintenance company.