February 19, 2019

Snow, ice, and a little peace of mind.

Snow and ice are in the forecast for us (again). If you’re off to grab a few provisions, don’t forget to build in a little time to make sure your heat pump is ready for snow. A few simple steps can go a long way in ensuring you stay comfortable and safe during the snow and ice.

An important step before the snow.
One important preventative measure is to clear debris from around your outdoor heat pump before the snow starts. Make sure you observe a two-foot clearance around—and above—your unit. Trim any low hanging tree or bush limbs to keep debris from falling onto your unit due to snow and ice build up. You can also erect a canopy for shelter—keeping that two-foot clearance in mind. A shelter is also a good way to keep your heat pump more efficient in the summer too, by providing ample shade.

An essential step during the snow.
During the snow, it’s essential to keep snow and ice from building up around your unit. To melt ice, you can use warm water, but never use boiling water and never use water to melt ice if the temperatures are below freezing. Plus, keep an eye on your condenser. If the compressor is on, you should be able to hear it and see the fan blades turning. If it’s not turning, check the breaker, thermostat, or look for debris that may be causing an obstruction.

Always…
Schedule spring and fall routine maintenance check-ups with your trusted HVAC technicians so that winter weather finds you prepared—to have a comfy snow day.

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