Winters in Belleville, ON, are known for being long, cold, and snowy. As a homeowner, you may wonder if your outdoor HVAC unit can stand up to winter’s harsh conditions. It’s natural to consider covering your unit to protect it, but is that the right move? Here’s everything you need to know about taking care of your HVAC unit through the winter months.
Understanding How Winter Weather Affects Your HVAC
The good news is that modern HVAC units are designed with winter weather in mind. Outdoor units, specifically condensers, are built using tough, weather-resistant materials. Manufacturers use special coatings and design features to ensure these units can handle everything from heavy snowfall to freezing temperatures.
So, should you worry about winter weather damaging your HVAC? The answer is no. Routine maintenance and proper care are more important than covering your unit. Winter weather won’t harm it, and covering it may do more harm than good.
Is Covering Your Outdoor Unit a Good Idea?
While it may seem like covering your outdoor unit offers extra protection from snow, ice, and wind, it can actually create more problems. Here’s why:
Mold and Moisture Issues
Covering your HVAC unit traps moisture inside, especially during snowy or rainy winters. When moisture gets inside the cover and can’t escape, it creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. Mold can damage internal components of the unit and lead to musty odors in your home when the system runs again in the spring. The last thing you want is to deal with mold growth inside your HVAC system.
Accelerated Rust and Corrosion
One of the main benefits of an uncovered outdoor unit is airflow. Airflow helps keep moisture at bay by allowing rain and snow to pass through the unit without lingering. However, when you cover your condenser, moisture can become trapped, which leads to rust and corrosion on metal components. Over time, this rust can significantly reduce the lifespan of your HVAC unit and result in costly repairs.
Pests and Rodents
Covering your outdoor HVAC unit may also make it an attractive home for pests during the winter. Rodents, in particular, seek out warm, sheltered places during cold months, and a covered HVAC unit can become the perfect nesting spot. Mice, squirrels, and other small animals may chew through wiring or build nests inside the unit, causing damage to vital components. This could result in expensive repairs when you start using the unit again in the spring.
How to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter Without a Cover
Instead of covering your HVAC unit, focus on regular maintenance and a few simple preparations to keep it in good shape during the colder months. Here are some key steps to take:
Prune Foliage Around the Unit
When preparing your HVAC for winter, start by clearing away any foliage or plants that have grown too close to the unit during the summer. There should be at least two feet of space around the condenser to allow for proper airflow. Additionally, prune back any tree branches that hang over the unit, as heavy snow or ice could cause them to break and fall onto the condenser.
Leaves and debris can also accumulate inside the unit, especially in the fall. While it’s fine to place a temporary cover or a sheet of plywood over the top of the condenser during the fall to block leaves from getting in, be sure to remove it once the fall season is over. Leaving it on through the winter can lead to the moisture and airflow issues mentioned earlier.
Clean Around the Unit
Throughout the spring and summer, dirt, grass clippings, and debris can build up around your outdoor unit. Before winter sets in, clean the area around your HVAC system to prevent debris from blocking airflow. Removing leaves, branches, and other organic matter ensures that your system can operate efficiently without any obstructions.
Clean the Condenser Coil
Your outdoor unit’s condenser coil plays a vital role in heat exchange, and dirt buildup can hinder its performance. Cleaning the coil is a simple task that can help your system run more efficiently. Using a garden hose, gently spray the coil to wash away dirt and grime. Be sure to use a low-pressure setting to avoid damaging the coil’s fins. This simple maintenance step will help your HVAC system run smoothly and prevent any issues caused by dirt buildup.
Change Your Air Filter
A key part of preparing your HVAC for winter is changing the air filter. Your HVAC system’s air filter helps protect the system from dust and debris that can circulate through your home’s air. Most filters should be changed every 90 days, but it’s a good idea to replace them at the start of each new season, especially if you use your HVAC year-round.
For homes that use both heating and cooling from the same unit, changing the air filter before the winter season will help ensure your furnace runs efficiently. A clean air filter allows for better airflow, reducing strain on the system and improving indoor air quality.
Schedule a Professional Maintenance Appointment
In addition to the basic maintenance tasks you can do yourself, it’s also essential to schedule a professional HVAC maintenance appointment before winter. A qualified technician can thoroughly inspect your system, check refrigerant levels, and perform any necessary repairs or adjustments. This will ensure your system is in peak condition for the winter months and help prevent unexpected breakdowns when you need it most.
During the maintenance visit, the technician will also inspect your furnace to ensure it’s ready for the colder months. They’ll check the burners, ignition system, and other critical components to ensure everything is functioning properly. This proactive approach helps catch potential issues before they turn into costly repairs.
How Regular Maintenance Extends Your HVAC’s Lifespan
One of the most important reasons to focus on regular maintenance rather than covering your unit is the long-term benefits it offers. A well-maintained HVAC system can last up to 15 years, while a properly cared-for furnace can last 20 years or more. By keeping your system clean and well-maintained, you can extend its lifespan, avoid expensive repairs, and ensure it operates at peak efficiency.
In contrast, covering your unit may lead to unnecessary damage from moisture, pests, and rust, ultimately shortening its lifespan. Regular maintenance, on the other hand, keeps everything running smoothly and prevents small issues from turning into big problems.
Call Your Local HVAC Experts for Winter Maintenance
At Armour Home Comfort, Our technicians have been helping homeowners in Belleville protect and maintain their HVAC systems for over 30 years. Our certified technicians are experts in HVAC repair, maintenance, and installation, and we’re dedicated to providing 100% customer satisfaction. Whether you need a routine maintenance check, a new system installed, or advice on keeping your HVAC running efficiently, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to schedule your winter HVAC maintenance appointment and ensure your system is ready to handle whatever the season brings.
