During the winter, your HVAC system works hard to keep your home a stable, warm temperature—regardless of what the weather forecast looks like. However, frigid temperatures, snow, and ice can be detrimental to your system. Here are a few ways cold weather can impact your unit and how heating contractors can help to prevent future issues. 

How Can the Cold Affect Your HVAC? 

During the winter, you use your furnace in full force. This potential overuse can cause your furnace to become worn out. Additionally, dust and debris may build up in your unit’s filters quicker than normal due to the many hours your HVAC logs. This can result in lower air quality and excess strain.

Furthermore, when snow surrounds your outdoor air conditioning unit and melts slowly, it can lead to corrosion, which will eventually break your system components apart. Snow and ice can also block home furnace exhaust systems, leading to carbon monoxide buildup. If icicles were to fall on your outdoor unit, they could bend the coil fins, creating blockages that disrupt airflow when you turn your air conditioning on in the spring. 

How Can You Prevent Problems? 

Fortunately, you can prevent many of these by working with a heating contractor early. Professionals can check for damage such as broken components and clogged vent lines, and may also offer tips for preventing ice accumulation around your outdoor units. 

They can also clean and lubricate your furnace to ensure easier operation, which means it will use less energy. This will not only extend its life span but also result in lower utility bills.

If your system appears to be struggling before or after winter, turn to the heating contractors at Noakes Heating Air Conditioning & Refrigeration. For more than 50 years, this dedicated team has been focused on creating safer, more comfortable spaces for their Lincoln, NE, clients, helping with everything from HVAC installations and repairs to indoor air quality testing and duct cleaning. Find out more about their capabilities by visiting their website or by giving their office a call at (402) 223-5348.