The Area Everyone Forgets To Clear After A Heavy Snow Storm

After the cozy comfort of sitting inside and watching the snowfall wears off, it's time to lace up your boots and grab a shovel. As a homeowner, it's your responsibility to clear driveways, steps, and adjacent sidewalks. However, there are also other critical areas around your property that need to be cleared of snow in a timely manner. One that usually slips the mind is outdoor HVAC systems.

Specifically the heat pump HVAC sysytem, which pulls thermal energy from the outside air and pumps it into the house to heat it. (You don't have to clear a forced-air system that uses a furnace, since the outside unit is the air conditioner and is not in use during winter.)

The flat roof of heat pump HVAC units creates the perfect landing for snow to build up. And although these components are designed to withstand the elements, failing to remove piled snow can limit the system's efficiency, decreasing your comfort and increasing your heating bills. A light dusting of flurries won't damage the system, but a thick layer of snow and possibly an accumulation of ice might lead to problems. Making it a priority to clean the unit after snowy days is a simple yet useful tip to prolong the life of your HVAC system.

Reduced air flow is the biggest issue with snow buildup on your outdoor HVAC unit. The accumulation can block intake and exhaust vents, impeding proper circulation. Without the air flow, the system's defrost setting can't work. The automatic defroster is what prevents internal components, like the coils, from freezing. Limited air flow also forces the system to work harder, as it struggles to intake air, heat it, and redistribute it inside your home. This reduces the HVAC's efficiency, meaning it'll require more energy to reach the desired internal temperatures. In extreme situations, running a compromised system can also cause it to overheat and turn off. Considering the potential damage that happens to your house when you lose heat in the winter, you definitely don't want the HVAC to shut down. Clearing the piled snow frees the vents and keeps everything running smoothly.

Fortunately, removing the snow is simple. Just sweep it off with a snow brush, leaf blower, or house broom. It's also best to clear 2 to 3 feet around the outdoor component to maintain proper airflow. Placing a tarp on top of the unit before a heavy snowfall can be a clever trick to make removing snow easier, as long as it won't block any vents. Then you can easily lift the tarp and dump the icy contents. Installing an awning a few feet above the HVAC system can also be a long-term solution. Clearing the snow doesn't add a ton of work to your to-do list and can save you from major home maintenance problems.