Can Snow and Ice Damage My Heat Pump in Big Stone Gap, VA?

Snow and ice buildup can wreak havoc on your heating system in Big Stone Gap, VA. Failure to protect your heat pump during the winter can lead to catastrophic results. Here are five ways ice and snow can damage your heat pump:

Damaged Electrical Wires

If your heat pump sustains exposure to the elements, the electrical wiring could become compromised. That’s especially true if the wiring is also exposed. Freezing temperatures can cause electrical wiring to become brittle.

Snow and ice can also damage the electrical fuses. When these issues arise, your heat pump can malfunction. It can also short-circuit, which can cause your heat pump to lose total power.

Frozen Condenser Coil

The condenser coil is an essential part of your heat pump. When snow covers the condenser coils, it can prevent proper airflow and hinder heat transfer. Also, under extreme conditions, the condenser coils can freeze due to snow accumulation.

This can cause the compressor to stop working, resulting in a breakdown. These circumstances can lead to system malfunction and require costly repairs to get your heat pump working again. If the damage is extensive, you may need to replace your heat pump.

Diminished Airflow

Your home heating system relies on good airflow to get heated air through the vents. When the heat pump experiences blockages, it can’t send heated air through to your home. Unfortunately, snow and ice can block the airflow around the heat pump.

The snow and ice can accumulate on the outdoor condenser unit, preventing proper ventilation and the heat from escaping. Not only will you not get enough airflow to heat your home, but your heat pump could also overheat.

Reduced Efficiency

If your heating bills go up during snowstorms, colder temperatures might not be the only reason. Snow accumulation on your heat pump can reduce energy efficiency. When too much snow builds up on your heat pump, it can interfere with your home’s efficiency.

When your heat pump gets covered in snow and ice, the insulation around it becomes less effective. This causes your heating system to work harder to keep your home warm. Unfortunately, that can lead to increased energy use and higher heating bills.

System Overload

If your heat pump gets packed with snow and ice, it’s time to clear a path. Snow accumulation can cause your heat pump to overload under the pressure. When that happens, airflow builds up inside the heat pump.

This can cause the heat pump to overheat and malfunction. You can reduce that risk by preventing snow accumulation on your heat pump.

Don’t take chances with your heat pump this winter. Use effective measures to remove snow and ice from your heat pump throughout the season. If your heat pump does malfunction this winter, call Mid Mountain Heating & Cooling to schedule repairs right away.

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