Protecting Your Heating and Cooling System This Winter

Winter can be a fun time of year, especially around the holidays when families get together. But, it can be difficult for your heating and cooling system. In fact, it can cause a lot of damage to your system. There are a number of reasons why winter weather can damage your heating and cooling system, and we will discuss these in this article, along with some ways you can help protect your heating and cooling system.

Reasons To Protect Your Heating and Cooling System

Winter weather is hard on your heating and cooling system. There are several issues that can cause problems for this system in the winter, and here are a few of them.

Frozen Pipes

It is actually pretty common for pipes to freeze in the winter, but it is also very inconvenient. It can even be expensive if the pipes burst, especially if they cause flooding. But, the situation can be even worse if you have a heating system that uses a hydronic system, in which case frozen pipes could cause your heating system not to work.

To avoid the problems that come with frozen pipes, you should make sure you insulate pipes in unsealed areas. You should also seal off these areas from the outside air. This will reduce the likelihood of your pipes freezing.

Ice and Snow

If snow and ice build up over time on your unit, it could cause problems. This probably won’t be an issue with just a small amount of snow or ice, but if enough builds up on the unit, it could block the unit’s ventilation or even damage the coils. So, it is really best to help maintain your heating and cooling system by clearing it off periodically and the area around the unit as well.

Excess Water

As winter ends and the weather warms up, any snow or ice is going to thaw. If a large amount of snow or ice thaws too quickly, it could cause flooding. This sort of flooding could damage your unit. The best way to help prevent this sort of damage is to ensure you have good drainage in the area where your unit is located.

Rust

Rust is another issue in the winter when there is snow or ice. Heating and cooling units are typically made of material that resists corrosion. But, they are not necessarily rust-proof, and if rust does occur, it could cause your unit to break down.

Ways To Protect Your Heating and Cooling System

Although winter can be rough on your heating and cooling system, there are some things you can do to protect your system. Here are a few tips for protecting your heating and cooling system this winter.

Change the Filter

A dirty air filter can make your system work harder and restrict airflow. So, be sure and change your air filter regularly to help your system work better and last longer.

Keep Up With Preventive Maintenance

It is important to have your heating and cooling system cleaned regularly, as well as have preventative maintenance performed. If you have your system regularly maintained, you can have any issues fixed before they become more serious, and the system is likely to last longer.

Cover Your Unit

Covering your unit can be one way to help protect it. A cover can keep debris and snow away from the unit, but be sure to clear any snow build-up off of the cover. Additionally, some manufacturers don’t recommend covering their units.

Final Thoughts

Making sure your heating and cooling system is protected during the winter will not only help it get through the winter, but it can also help your system to last longer, thus saving you money. So, take the time to protect your heating and cooling system this winter, and you’ll likely save money in the long run.

Contact Us

For help maintaining your heating system, contact J Griffin Heating & Plumbing. Our professionals can inspect and service your home’s heating system to ensure that it performs its best year-round. Call us at 781-520-1212 and connect with us on Facebook.