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. 

Our Saskatchewan winters are around the corner, and it’s time to ensure that your home is ready to combat the chilly Saskatoon days and frosty nights. One of the most crucial steps in winter preparation is getting your furnace in tip-top shape. A well-maintained furnace not only keeps you warm but also saves you money on energy bills. In this blog, we’ll provide you with 10 tips to prepare your furnace for winter.

1. Schedule a Professional Inspection: Start by scheduling a furnace inspection with a JOB Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. qualified HVAC technician. They will check for any potential issues, clean essential components, and ensure that your furnace is running efficiently and safely.
2. Replace or Clean Air Filters: Dirty or clogged air filters can reduce your furnace’s efficiency and worsen indoor air quality. Replace disposable filters or clean reusable ones before the heating season begins, and check them monthly throughout winter.
3. Clean Vents and Ducts: Dust, debris, and even pests can accumulate in your vents and ducts, blocking airflow and reducing efficiency. Consider hiring a professional to clean them, improving air quality and furnace performance.
4. Check for Leaks and Insulate: Inspect your home for drafts and seal any gaps around windows, doors, and vents. Proper insulation reduces heat loss and helps your furnace work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.
5. Test the Thermostat: Ensure that your thermostat is functioning correctly. Replace the batteries if needed and program it to a comfortable and energy-efficient temperature schedule for winter.
6. Lubricate Moving Parts: Regularly lubricate your furnace’s moving parts, such as bearings and motors, to reduce friction and extend their lifespan. Refer to your furnace’s manual for guidance.
7. Check for Gas Leaks: If you have a gas furnace, it’s crucial to check for gas leaks. If you detect a gas odor or suspect a leak, immediately turn off the gas supply and contact a professional.
8. Inspect the Flue and Venting: Check the flue and venting system for any blockages or damage. Proper venting is essential to prevent carbon monoxide from entering your home.
9. Replace Old or Faulty Thermostats: Consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat if your current one is outdated. These devices offer greater control and energy-saving features.
10. Stock Up on Supplies: Lastly, stock up on essential furnace supplies like air filters, spare parts, and a carbon monoxide detector. Having these items on hand can help you stay comfortable and safe throughout the winter.

This may be a sign that your furnace requires attention. Read on to discover reasons why your furnace is blowing cold air.

Your Furnace Has Not Warmed Up

Whenever it is the beginning of a heating cycle, you will get a blast of cold air when you turn on your furnace. Much like when you first turn on a faucet, cold water is going to flow out at first rather than hot. As your furnace warms up, it must first push out the cold air before warm air will blow out of your vents. If your furnace blows cold air briefly, this is likely the explanation. However, if warm air does not follow the cold air after a few minutes, it is time to call in an expert. 

The Thermostat Setting Is Incorrect  

The Flame Sensor Is Dirty

The flame sensor detects whether or not your furnace’s gas burners are lit. A dirty flame sensor will keep the gas burner from staying lit, and cause the burners to shut off. This results in cold air blowing from the vents, as the furnace does not have a heat source. Unless you are familiar with furnaces, a dirty flame sensor should always be cleaned by a professional to restore heat. 

Your Furnace's Pilot Light Is Out

Especially if your furnace is older, cold air is a sign that the pilot light is out. If you are comfortable doing so, follow your furnace’s instructions on how to relight it. If the flame goes out again after a few minutes, contact a professional as technical work is likely necessary. 

Your Furnace's Air Filter Is Clogged

When the air filter is clogged, airflow is restricted. Restricted airflow can cause your furnace to overheat. When your furnace overheats, this shuts down the burner resulting in cold air. Always replace a dirty air filter to ensure your furnace is functioning properly. 

These are a few possible reasons why your furnace is blowing cold air. Be sure to schedule your routine furnace maintenance to ensure your furnace is safe to operate this winter. If you need any assistance with your furnace or home heating equipment, do not hesitate to contact our team at JOB Heating & Air Conditioning.

The heat exchanger is the part of your furnace that is responsible for generating hot air. To create heat, your furnace burns natural gas. When gas is burned, exhaust byproducts travel through the heat exchanger. As the exhaust passes through the furnace’s exhaust outlet, metal is heated. Simultaneously, this hot metal heats the air. From there, your furnace system distributes hot air to your home through your air ducts.  

In order to function properly, the heat exchanger must remain sealed. That is why cracks are detrimental.

What Causes A Cracked Heat Exchanger?

The air inside your furnace and heat exchanger gets extremely hot. As a result, this extreme heat causes the metal inside the heat exchanger to expand and contract. Though well-maintained heat exchangers are built to tolerate this heat, eventually this stress causes cracks.

If your heat exchanger is several years old, stress cracks are common. However, if your heat exchanger is under 10 years old, there are other causes of cracking. Causes of premature heat exchanger cracking include limited airflow, and your furnace being too large for your home.

Limited Airflow

If they are not dealt with, cracked furnace heat exchangers can pose a serious safety risk. If you notice a strange smell coming from your furnace or signs of rust along the exterior, this may indicate that there is a problem.

Carbon Monoxide Leak

Flame-Out or Fire

JOB Heating & Air Conditioning are Trusted Saskatoon furnace experts. They show up on time, deliver on budget, and leave the work area cleaner than when they arrived! They take pride in their work in this city and surrounding area, so nothing means more to us than testimonials from their clients as their preferred plumber in Saskatoon.