Having a heat pump in your home is a great way to get through a cold winter in McMurray, PA. Unfortunately, as efficient as a heat pump can be, it’s also vulnerable to ice and snow. Here are just four ways that snow and ice can damage your heat pump.
1. Damage to Your Wiring
Snow and ice can do a lot of damage to wiring. It’s one of the biggest reasons many homes lose power during severe winter weather. If your system has exposed wiring, excessive snow and ice could break the wires themselves.
2. Overloading Your Heat Pump
When snow and ice accumulate on the outdoor unit, it can prevent the system from absorbing heat from the outside. This can cause excessive strain on your system as it tries to compensate. The additional strain can result in your equipment overheating and potentially breaking down.
3. Cracks in Your Outdoor Unit
If your outdoor unit gets cold or is underneath a mound of ice and snow, the metal on its casing could crack. However, this only happens in extreme cases. A broken outdoor unit can be a serious safety hazard, so stay on top of your regular HVAC maintenance schedule to spot damage before it gets out of hand.
4. Damage From Falling Icicles
Icicles that form and eventually fall from your roof can do more damage than you might think to a heat pump’s outdoor unit. One or two heavy icicles could knock the unit loose, damage its outer casing and otherwise render it all but useless. Be aware of icicles forming on your roof and keep your gutters clear so water can flow freely through them.
Call Bruno Plumbing & Heating to schedule your heat pump repairs. Our staff will be happy to assist you and make sure that your heat pump continues to keep your home comfortable.
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