Snow & Ice Can Damage Your Outdoor AC Units?
Your air conditioner can handle some snow without any problems, but damage can occur when you get a lingering build-up of ice. Snow piles onto the coil and other internal parts of the outdoor unit, putting things at risk of rust and corrosion. The snow often partly melts and then re-freezes into a block of ice around the parts, and may not melt for quite a while.
When the time comes for air conditioning, you might discover a major breakdown. More likely, the AC will run a bit less efficiently, need repairs sooner, and ultimately need replacement sooner than it would have otherwise.
How to Protect an Air Conditioner from Snow & Ice
Clearing snow from an AC unit is as simple as knocking off excess accumulation:
Sweep or brush off snow shortly after significant snowfall.Keep a clear radius of at least one foot around the unit.If using a cover, put it on and take it off for snow storms; don’t leave it all winter.Do not pour very hot or boiling water on ice to defrost a frozen AC unit. Mild water is okay, but you can crack parts by shocking the temperature with hot water.Check the AC unit for debris and frost before the next time you use it.
Don’t Forget Annual Air Conditioner Maintenance.
Whether the winter has been mild or brutal, always be sure to conduct seasonal air conditioning maintenance in the spring. An AC tune-up will find small problems before they “snowball” into bigger issues, and you’ll get better energy efficiency and longevity out of it.
If you need any help or advice on how to maintain good air quality in your building call Cutts Refrigeration for all your Air Conditioning and Commercial Refrigeration needs.
Cutts Refrigeration have mobile engineers covering Shropshire, Mid-Wales, Staffordshire & the West Midlands for all your Commercial Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.Tel: 01743 718 871 or go online: https://www.cuttsrefrigeration.com/