The cold and wet Jeffersonville, IN winters can take a toll on your outdoor heat pump. Snow or ice accumulation prevents airflow and leads to heating challenges in your home. Here are some heat pump issues caused by winter weather and some tips for staying on top of the problems.
Airflow and Ice Accumulation
During cold winter temperatures, the condensation that collects on your outdoor heat pump’s coil may freeze and create an airflow blockage. Additionally, the physical accumulation of snow and ice on the outside of your heat pump can restrict airflow since air gets pulled in from all sides. Obstructed airflow results in lower heat transfer and a strained heating system.
Corrosion Caused by Melting Snow
As snow and ice melt, moisture can slowly leak inside your heat pump and cause corrosion. In some cases, moisture inside the pump can refreeze, causing your system to malfunction or to shut down.
Maintaining Your Heat Pump
There are a few simple things you can do to keep your heat pump in optimal condition throughout the winter months. Use a broom or brush to clear snow off your heat pump and insulate the exhaust and intake pumps to prevent them from freezing. Do not attempt to chisel or dislodge severe ice accumulation as you could damage your heat pump further.
If major accumulation occurs or if you notice anything out of the ordinary with your heat pump’s performance, call a professional. Taking care of minor problems before they create major issues will save you the expense and inconvenience of a future system shutdown.
If you’re experiencing problems due to snow or ice on your heat pump, call our experts at Lamb’s Heating & Air Conditioning for heat pump repair. We can assess the problem and get your heating system back on the right track.
Image provided by iStock
