The harsh elements are hard on anything left outside throughout the winter. Although air conditioner units are built to withstand winter conditions, they need help to remain protected. Especially in freezing temperatures, here are some reasons to keep your HVAC system’s outdoor unit protected this winter:

Built-Up Ice Damages The Outdoor Unit

Ice build-up can damage the outside and inside of your outdoor HVAC unit. As snow melts and re-freezes, cold temperatures cause ice blocks to form in roofs, gutters, and other surfaces. Falling ice can also damage the exterior of your unit and the lines connected to your system. 

Ice build-up also causes internal damage to your unit. If snow and ice are not removed and build up on your outdoor HVAC unit, it causes system components to freeze. Extreme enough temperatures can cause motors to freeze, making your compressor unusable. The worst part is that you may not notice there is damage until you go to turn on your unit when the warmer months hit.

Rust Is Destructive

When snow and water are present, rust is an issue. Water expedites the oxidation process, particularly when combined with exposure to oxygen in the air. Although materials such as copper are resistant to corrosion, they are not rust-proof. Eventually, rust leads to a coil losing the capacity to operate and transfer heat properly under pressure. 

Rust will affect the internal parts of your HVAC unit and damage your system's external or structural parts. Although these components are painted or sealed, this is not enough to combat the power of rust. Typically, however, issues commence in unsealed locations such as bolts, screws, and the holes that keep your system together.

Snow And Ice Limit Air Flow 

Heat pumps are popular heating systems for many homeowners. Modern heat pumps quickly heat a home efficiently, even in temperatures below freezing. However, to function, they must have access to enough heat, which can only be drawn from the air around them. Therefore, airflow is crucial for these systems. If snow and ice accumulate and block airflow, the system cannot do its job effectively. 

HVAC systems that fill up with snow will result in a similar situation. Heat transfer is impossible if snow enters the cage surrounding your interior components. As a result, your heat pump freezes, and your home will not have the heat supply it needs to be kept warm.

Ways To Protect Your Outdoor HVAC Unit

Protecting your outdoor HVAC unit from snow and ice is important to keep it in good working condition. Here are ways to protect your outdoor HVAC unit: 

• During snow storms, always cover your HVAC system. Covering the system always gives critters a place to build a home and find shelter, which causes damage.
• After a heavy snowfall, brush or sweep snow off your unit. Snow and ice build-up can damage it. 
• Clear the snow around the outdoor unit (at least a one-foot radius). With a heat pump system, the radius should be three to four feet. 
• Never use hot water to defrost a frozen air conditioner. Hot water mixed with snow causes temperature shock, shattering even rigid metal. 
• Always have your air conditioner inspected before use in the warmer months to ensure there is no lasting damage from the winter elements. 

Water heaters account for nearly 20% of the average home energy bill. In fact, the only appliance that costs more to run than your water heater is your furnace. If you are looking to cut costs on your energy bill, water heaters are worth paying special attention to. Learn tips to reduce your water heater energy bill expenses from the experts at JOB Heating & Air Conditioning.

1. Insulate your hot water heater tank and pipes.

If you have a hot water heater tank, ensure it is insulated. Not only does tank insulation prevent heat loss, but it also lowers the risk of fire in the home. The same goes for your hot water heater pipes. If the pipes are not insulated, your water heater has to work harder to heat water. In order to conserve heat energy, it is recommended that you insulate a minimum of 6 feet of piping.

2. Lower the thermostat temperature on your hot water heater. 

Heat traps are valves that trap heat energy that would otherwise be lost and can reduce your energy bill by up to $30 each month. Newer hot water heaters will come with heat traps already installed, so it is best to consider an upgraded unit rather than installing heat traps on your existing unit if your current hot water heater may be nearing the end of its life.

4. Use a timer on your hot water heater.

Traditional water heaters typically heat water all night long, which is very inefficient considering you do not use hot water at night. If you do not have a tankless water heater, installing a timer will give your water heater a rest and save you money.

5. Install low-flow faucets in your home.

Though this may seem like a bit of an investment, replacing your faucets with low-flow options can reduce annual hot water usage in your home by up to 60 percent. Installing low-flow faucets will ensure more money stays in your pocket.

6. Schedule maintenance service for your hot water heater.

Often, homeowners will maintain their own hot water heater tank, including draining and cleaning the unit themselves. This often leads to problems and ends up costing more money. It is best to let an experienced professional maintain your hot water heater. 

Let the experts at JOB Heating & Air Conditioning ensure your water heater is not costing you more than it should. Schedule your maintenance service today.

JOB Heating & Air Conditioning is a Trusted Saskatoon plumbing company. We show up on time, deliver on budget and we leave the work area cleaner than when we arrived! At JOB we take pride in our plumbing services in this city and surrounding area, so nothing means more to us than testimonials from our clients as their preferred plumber in Saskatoon.
JOB products and services include:

• Furnaces
• Boilers
• Air Conditioners
• Water Heaters
• Gas Lines
• Garage Heaters 

‘Your Comfort is Our Concern!’

JOB Heating & Air Conditioning Trusted Saskatoon Plumbers

Looking for a Saskatoon Air Conditioner Expert?

At JOB Heating and Air Conditioning, they fix, maintain, service, sell and install all brands of residential and commercial air conditioning units to Saskatoon and the surrounding area. If your air conditioner is not cooling, or if it is freezing up, simply contact JOB and they will solve your problems. They guarantee to have you cooled down and comfortable in no time!

Air Conditioning Tips From JOB

Here are some air conditioning tips to get the most out of your cooling unit from JOB Heating & Air Conditioning Saskatoon: 

If you are looking for a new Saskatoon air conditioner or have questions about your current A/C unit, contact JOB Heating & Air Conditioning, your local experts who are always ready to help!

JOB Heating & Air Conditioning are Trusted Saskatoon Furnace and Air Conditioning Experts. We show up on time, deliver on budget and we leave the work area cleaner than when we arrived! At JOB we take pride in our plumbing services in this city and the surrounding area, so nothing means more to us than testimonials from our clients as their preferred plumber in Saskatoon.

• Furnaces

• Boilers

• Air Conditioners

• Water Heaters

• Gas Lines

• Garage Heaters 

‘Your Comfort is Our Concern!’

JOB Heating & Air Conditioning Trusted Saskatoon Air Conditioning Experts