Ali bi morali svojo klimatsko napravo pozimi pokriti? Priročni nasveti za HVAC za zimsko sezono

Čeprav ste morda zaposleni s sestavljanjem snežakov, se morda ne zavedate, kako lahko ostro zimsko vreme vpliva na vašo HVAC enoto. Ne glede na to, kako različne so, imajo skoraj vse HVAC enote kompresorsko enoto na prostem, ki je 24/7 izpostavljena težkim zunanjim pogojem. Led na zunanji klimatski enoti pozimi je pogosta težava, ki pesti lastnike stanovanj.

Ali bi morali torej svojo klimatsko napravo pozimi pokriti, da preprečite nabiranje ledu? Ugotovimo.

Kako hladno vreme vpliva na vaš HVAC sistem?

Led in sneg lahko vplivata na vašo HVAC enoto na več načinov. Če je vaša zunanja enota toplotna črpalka, kar pomeni, da deluje tako poleti kot pozimi, morate biti še posebej previdni glede poškodb pozimi, saj lahko led in sneg vplivata na delovanje vašega sistema. Tudi če pozimi ne uporabljate enote HVAC, lahko led in sneg poškodujeta kompresor, kar vpliva na njegovo delovanje v naslednji sezoni.

Led na zunanji klimatski enoti

Nabiranje ledu na zunanji enoti vaše klimatske naprave je lahko zelo problematično. Ko zaženete svojo HVAC enoto, se ustvari toplota, ki topi ta led. Na žalost se ob ponovnem zamrzovanju razširi in lahko upogne občutljiva rebra tuljave. Upognjena rebra tuljave blokirajo pretok zraka; zato vaša enota ne more delovati po najboljših močeh. Posledično mora vaša klimatska naprava delati veliko težje, da učinkovito ogreje vaš dom, kar vodi do višjih računov za energijo.

Rja in korozija sta prav tako pomembni težavi, s katero se zunanje enote srečujejo pozimi, saj je vaša zunanja enota dlje časa izpostavljena veliki količini vlage. Sčasoma lahko to privede do rje in korozije zunanjih komponent.

Slab pretok zraka zaradi nabiranja ledu na enoti HVAC pozimi

Led na vaši HVAC enoti pozimi povzroča tudi slab pretok zraka. Toplotne črpalke ogrejejo vaš dom pozimi tako, da odvzamejo toploto iz zraka zunaj vašega doma in jo pošljejo v notranjost. Če je zunanja enota vaše toplotne črpalke blokirana s štirih strani, ne more več hitro črpati zraka od zunaj, kar vpliva na njeno delovanje. Zmanjšan pretok zraka povzroči dolgoročno škodo vašemu sistemu, kar lahko zahteva draga popravila klimatske naprave.

Če za ogrevanje doma uporabljate peč, se soočite z dodatno težavo – zastrupitvijo z ogljikovim monoksidom. Večina peči uporablja plin za pridobivanje toplote in nato prenaša to toploto po vašem domu. Če se zunanji izpušni ventil zamaši zaradi snega, ogljikov monoksid nima kam pobegniti in se kopiči v vaši hiši. Ne pozabite, da je zastrupitev z ogljikovim monoksidom lahko usodna; zato morate investirati v dober detektor ogljikovega monoksida.

Kako zaščititi svojo HVAC enoto pred zimskimi poškodbami?

Zdaj, ko se zavedate, kako ostre zime lahko povzročijo opustošenje vaši klimatski napravi, si poglejmo nekaj nasvetov za HVAC za zime, da lahko preprečite škodo.

1. Zagotovite, da cikel odmrzovanja na vaši toplotni črpalki deluje

Če uporabljate toplotno črpalko, je dobra novica ta, da ima cikel odmrzovanja, ki preprečuje nabiranje ledu. V načinu odmrzovanja vaša toplotna črpalka začasno deluje v obratni smeri (to pomeni, da hladi hišo), da ogreje zunanjo tuljavo in stopi zmrzal na njej. Večina toplotnih črpalk to naredi samodejno; če pa opazite znatno kopičenje na zunanji enoti, se vaša toplotna črpalka morda iz nekega razloga ne odtaljuje. Upoštevajte ta vodnik za odpravljanje težav s toplotno črpalko, da ugotovite, kje je težava.

2. Ustvarite vetrno pregrado okoli zunanje enote

Prav tako je dobra zamisel zgraditi vetrno oviro okoli vaše zunanje enote. Vetrna pregrada bo preprečila, da bi večina odpadkov in padavin zamašila kondenzator. Prav tako bo zmanjšalo nabiranje snega na vaši klimatski napravi.

Če se odločite za ograjo okoli zunanje enote, poskrbite, da bo med zunanjo enoto in ograjo dovolj razdalje. Ograja preblizu vaše enote lahko ovira pretok zraka in predstavlja nevarnost požara. Če zgradite ograjo okoli svoje enote HVAC, lahko tudi zmanjšate zvok AC, tako da lahko uživate v mirnem spancu.

3. Ne pozabite odmetati snega

Led na enoti HVAC pozimi je večinoma posledica slabega vzdrževanja in ne slabega vremena. Po obilnem sneženju led takoj razbijte. Dlje ko ga pustite stati, večja je možnost, da bo blokiral vašo zunanjo enoto.

4. Redno menjajte filtre

Whether you use a heat pump or a furnace, make sure that you change your air filters regularly. Dirty filters hamper airflow, leading to poor performance. This is even more of a problem in winters as blocked filters won’t warm your home properly, nor can your heat pump run the defrost cycle efficiently. If the defrost cycle cannot run properly, it will lead to ice on the outside AC unit.

If you’re the type of person who’s always forgetting to clean the filters, a smart AC controller such as the Cielo Breez Plus or the Cielo Breez Eco is just the thing for you. Cielo’s smart AC controllers can keep track of air filter cleanliness. You can set reminders when the next clean-up is due. It also sends notifications if the cleaning is required earlier due to increased usage. Moreover, these smart devices let you set schedules, location-based triggers, smart rules, and much more to automate your home environment.

5. Inspect Your Drain Line and Gutters for Blockages

Inspect your HVAC unit’s drain line for any ice buildup. If ice is blocking adequate drainage, water will start collecting in your unit, and it will eventually spill out of the drain pan right inside your house. This can damage your walls and cause mold growth.

For more on AC leaking water, check our blog.

Also, look out for ice buildup in any gutters near the outdoor unit. Dripping water can form icicles that may fall on your outdoor unit and damage it.

6. Ensure Your HVAC Unit Is Installed Properly

If you live in an area with regular snowfall, your outdoor unit must be at least 6 inches above the ground. Your air conditioner’s outdoor unit will be buried in the snow if it is placed too low, leading to rust, corrosion, and blockages. You can either build a concrete pad yourself or hire a professional.

7. Clear the Furnace Exhaust

Too much snow can block the furnace exhaust, leading to an increased risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Most furnaces come with a safety switch that shuts off the furnace in case of a blocked exhaust. However, always shovel the snow around the furnace exhaust to be on the safe side.

8. Never Delay a Call to the Serviceman

You can create an HVAC maintenance checklist to ensure that your unit is always at its best. However, no matter how diligent you are with your air conditioner’s maintenance, some problems require a professional. If you have followed all the given HVAC tips for the winter season and still feel your unit is not performing at its best, call a technician immediately. If neglected for too long, minor problems can lead to costly repairs.

Should You Cover Your AC Unit in the Winter?

Should you cover your AC unit in winter? This is a hotly contested topic.

The consensus is that if you have an air conditioner not in use in the winters, there is no harm in covering it to prevent dust and debris from accumulating. However, there are some things you must consider when deciding about air conditioner covers.

• When deciding whether to cover your AC unit, your location and the local weather matter significantly. In regions where the winters are exceptionally long and harsh, covering your unit can prevent snow on your AC. Excessive snow and ice on the unit for extended periods of time can damage coils.
• Ensure that the cover you use is made of a light, breathable material. Plastic and airflow-restrictive covers can actually promote rust, corrosion, and mold growth. They also encourage small animals, such as rodents, to build a home in your AC unit. Rodents can chew on the wires and cause permanent damage to your unit.
• If you have a heat pump that you also use in winters, covering it up is largely unnecessary and has some risks. Modern outdoor AC units are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. They are put through rigorous testing to confirm they can endure harsh conditions. Covering a running air conditioner can also impede airflow, subsequently reducing performance and increasing the fire risk.

The Takeaway?

Covering your heat pump can lead to moisture, and subsequently, mold growth. Furthermore, when condensation freezes again, it can bend the coil fins and lead to more damage. Most heat pump outdoor units are built to withstand winter damage, and covering them up is unnecessary. Your primary focus should be to keep your outdoor unit clear of any snow and debris.

Now that you know how winters can affect your HVAC unit, you are prepared to meet any tricky situations that may arise. Follow these tips and ensure that your HVAC unit comes through winters unscathed.