If you have lived in Iowa for a while, you are probably used to unpredictable weather changes. Since Iowa winters can get cold, snowy, and icy, we want to share how harsh winter weather affects your HVAC system.
How winter weather affects your outdoor unit:
Just because it's the season for heating, doesn’t mean you should neglect your outdoor unit altogether. Although your A/C unit is built for harsh weather conditions, there are some things you can do to protect it from winter weather.
One thing you shouldn’t do is cover your system. Covering your outdoor unit can trap water inside which can freeze your condenser coil. Instead, if there is heavy snowfall, clearing the snow off and from around your system can also help it recover from the weather conditions. If your outdoor unit has a heat pump, make sure to be extra attentive about snow and ice around your system.
How winter weather affects your furnace:
If there is snowfall, it is important to keep an eye on your furnace exhaust vent located on the exterior of your home. If this vent becomes blocked, it can prevent your system from working properly and could even lead to a breakdown. Buildup in this area can also cause your pipes to leak.
What You Can Do:
1. Don’t cover your outdoor unit! Instead, clean around it when there is snow and ice build-up.
2. Check and change your furnace filter often. You will want to make sure there is a clean filter in it at all times, especially in extreme weather conditions, when your furnace is working harder than normal.
3. Monitor the outdoor unit and vent. Keep snow and ice away from your unit! Anything blocking these areas needs to be removed to ensure that your system is working properly.
4. Know when to call for help. Our professional technicians at 72 Degrees are always happy to help. If you need to schedule an appointment, call 515-965-7272. If you want to learn more about our company or would rather schedule online you can visit our website at 72degrees.com.
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