Will cold weather affect my HVAC system?

If you live in Rutherford County, TN, you know winter can be severely cold. With a high potential for freezing temperatures, precipitation, and high winds throughout the cold season, your HVAC system performance and efficiency will likely be impacted substantially. It is crucial to clearly understand the anticipated effects on your HVAC system in cold weather and the essential strategies to address them proactively or when the impacts manifest. 

The AVU Heating & Air HVAC experts explain how cold weather will likely impact your HVAC system and the steps you can take to overcome these challenges.

How Does Cold Weather Affect Your HVAC System

When it is frigid outside, your system has to work overtime to keep your home warm, resulting in increased energy usage and higher energy bills. Additionally, when it rains or snows, the humidity in the air increases, forcing the system to work harder and use more energy. Wind can also impact the performance of your HVAC unit. During windy days, the unit has to work extremely hard to push air through the ducts and into your home. Beyond the performance issues, extreme weather can also damage crucial components in your system. 

Here are some other ways cold weather can affect your HVAC system:

• Damage wiring: Cold temperatures can make electrical wiring and components more brittle. This increased brittleness can lead to damage or even breakage of wires, potentially causing malfunctions or electrical failures within the HVAC system. Additionally, rodents and pests may seek shelter in your HVAC system during cold weather, and they could potentially damage wiring and costly AC repairs. 
• Excessive insulation can overheat: While insulation is crucial for maintaining warmth in your home, too much insulation around your HVAC system can cause it to overheat. Proper ventilation is essential to prevent the system from working harder than necessary and to avoid overheating.
• Block air flow: Cold weather can cause the condensation of water vapor in the air. If this moisture accumulates in and around the HVAC system, it can freeze and obstruct airflow. Blocked air flow can reduce the system's efficiency, making it work harder to maintain the desired temperature.
• Slow down efficiency: As mentioned earlier, cold weather can make your HVAC system work harder to maintain the desired temperature inside your home. If your system is not well-maintained or filters are clogged, it may struggle to operate efficiently, resulting in higher energy bills.
• Shut down system: In icy conditions, your HVAC system will likely freeze. Frigid conditions may result in system shutdown if the condensate drain line or other components freeze. Having an AVU Heating & Air expert perform AC repairs and regularly maintain the unit can help prevent this. Apart from HVAC repairs, have an expert undertake crucial HVAC winter tune-ups.

How to Protect Your HVAC System from Cold Weather Conditions

Here are some tips to protect your HVAC system from cold weather conditions:

• Ensure filters are clean: dirty filters can obstruct airflow, reduce efficiency, and strain your system unnecessarily. During the cold season, have an expert check your filters monthly and replace them if needed. This simple maintenance task can significantly extend the life of your HVAC system. 
• Keep vents clear: Blocked vents can disrupt the airflow in your home, causing uneven heating and increased energy consumption. Ensure that all vents, both supply and return, are free from obstructions such as furniture, drapes, or other household items.
• Properly insulate outdoor unit: The outdoor unit of your HVAC system is exposed to the elements, making it susceptible to cold weather conditions. To protect it from freezing temperatures, ensure proper insulation. Use a weatherproof cover designed for your specific unit to shield it from snow, ice, and other winter elements.
• Seal indoor unit properly: In addition to insulating the outdoor unit, it's essential to seal any gaps or leaks around the indoor unit. Check for drafts around windows, doors, and any wall openings. Proper insulation and sealing will help your HVAC system operate efficiently. 

Prevent Your HVAC from Freezing this Winter with AVU Heating & Air 

Winter may present challenges for your HVAC system, with freezing temperatures posing a risk of system malfunction. At AVU Heating & Air, we understand the importance of a well-functioning HVAC system during the colder months. Our tailored services are designed to prevent your HVAC from freezing, ensuring your home stays warm and comfortable throughout winter. Our certified technicians in Rutherford County, TN, perform detailed inspections of your HVAC system to identify potential issues that could lead to freezing. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Image Credits: Karl Cox // Shutterstock