What Are the Effects of Ice on Your Home Heat in the Winter?

Winter weather in the Lorain area can end up affecting how well your home is heated. Snow and ice effects on HVAC systems can make it harder for your home to stay comfortably warm throughout the season. It’s important to learn more about these effects so you can take steps to prevent them from happening.

Outdoor HVAC Equipment

Your outdoor HVAC equipment, which includes the condenser and other important components, can become damaged due to ice buildup and melted ice. Ice can accumulate on or inside the outdoor unit, making it hard for air to get through. Melting ice can drip inside the outdoor unit and become frozen again, which can cause severe damage to your HVAC equipment. Ice can also increase the risk of having corrosion or rust build up on HVAC components.

Airflow in Winter

When ice buildup affects airflow, this makes it much harder for your HVAC system to run properly. If your HVAC system needs to work harder to warm your home, this can lead to a higher amount of wear and tear on its components. Over time, this can result in a shorter life span for your HVAC unit and increase the likelihood that repairs will be needed. Ensuring proper airflow helps protect your HVAC system from these problems while also keeping your home heated more efficiently.

Prevent Ice Effects

There are several ways that you can lower your risk of having ice effects damage your HVAC system, especially if you have a heat pump. This includes ensuring that your heat pump’s defrost setting works. You should also avoid covering your heat pump in winter, since this can block airflow. Other ways to lower the risk of ice damage include removing snow from around the unit on a regular basis and checking your gutters for ice blockages or ice dams.

If you need help keeping your home warm this season and preventing ice effects, contact Energy 1 Heating and Air Conditioning. We offer heating and cooling services throughout the Lorain area.