As we’re about to enter the coldest days of winter here on Long Island, we make adjustments to our home heating habits to compensate. Our boilers are working harder to keep our homes at a comfortable temperature that was achieved seemingly effortlessly just a couple of a months ago. Many homes are switching to heat pumps instead of conventional oil- or gas-fueled furnaces.
For those who are new to using heat pumps or are looking to incorporate them into their home HVAC system, you may be wondering about proper upkeep – particularly in the event of increasingly colder weather. So how do we protect heat pumps in winter?
Can You Use A Heat Pump In Winter?
Many of us may assume that all heat pumps transfer warmer air from the outside to inside and expel the cooler air from the home – and think that doesn’t make much sense for those cold winter days – but you absolutely can use a heat pump in winter.
There are different kinds of heat pumps that can be utilized in the home that are a great fit for winter. Not only are air source heat pumps more advanced than they were a decade ago to optimize their effectiveness (making them viable for areas like New York with cold winters) but there are also ground-source heat pumps pulling heat from several feet below ground… which stays warm even in the coldest of winter months.
Will Cold Weather Damage A Heat Pump?
Cold weather won’t necessarily damage your Heat Pump alone. After all, they are designed to help your home maintain a comfortable temperature when it gets too hot or too cold. However, your heat pump could end up being less effective or even damaged if it freezes up. It is unlikely but not impossible.
What Is The Best Way To Keep A Heat Pump From Freezing Up?
There are two fairly simple things you can do to help keep your heat pump from freezing up. Pouring hot water through the open grate in the unit that reaches the fan could help melt an ice buildup inside the unit if that happens in severe weather.
Clearing snow directly outside the unit will help as well and should be a routine practice, like shoveling snow. Before applying either of those tactics, you should consult with heat pump professionals that can guide you through your specific unit (or units) and service them if needed.
Tragar Home Services Can Help Keep You And Your Family Warm This Winter
Since we have been experiencing fairly mild winters overall the past couple of years, we could be bracing ourselves for a harsh one. For that reason and more, it is important to have HVAC professionals you can trust who will have you and your family’s comfort in mind. Servicing Long Island for more than 60 years, at Tragar Home Services we pride ourselves in providing 5-star service for our customers during and after business hours. We have the fastest average emergency response time in the area… even during the coldest days and nights this season.
Our highly trained professionals can evaluate your HVAC systems and perform maintenance and repair to prepare your home for winter. We can even work with you on installing a new system with a maintenance plan if necessary. Contact us today for peace of mind come winter.
