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The winters in Montana are not for the faint of heart. Montana weather brings about temperatures that drop well below zero. There are some instances where the cold is just downright unbearable as wind chill plummets temperatures to as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit. As the snow falls and temperatures drop, keeping your HVAC system running is essential. A lack of heat could be catastrophic, not only for children and the elderly but for everyone. When you have HVAC questions or need your system winterized, the professionals at Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC are here for you. In the meantime, we want to share the importance of winterizing and some helpful tips.
Importance of Winterizing
With insanely cold Montana temperatures, you can’t just leave your HVAC system alone and expect it to function properly all winter. This may work in some parts of the United States, but here in Montana, that’s not the case. An HVAC system that is properly cared for lasts an average of 10-15 years. If you take good care of it, including having it winterized, it could potentially last upwards of 20 years. If you take the time to let a professional help winterize your HVAC system, you can save a lot of money down the road.
Another important factor of winterizing your HVAC system is that it will last you all through the winter season. When you call a professional to help, your HVAC system will be in pristine working condition after the service. A technician will thoroughly go over your system with a complete tune-up. An HVAC system that is operating well before the cold weather arrives is way less likely to break down throughout the winter.
Problems Ice Can Cause
Heavy ice on your system can cause many issues. In some cases, it can even cause a complete unit failure. If you fail to have your system winterized, you’re laying out a welcome mat for disaster. In Montana, it’s very common for ice and snow to build up. There are several ways it could affect your HVAC system. However, two problems are most prevalent.
Blockage in Airflow
When any sort of winter precipitation accumulates, one thing that could happen is an increase in your energy bill. As snow or ice piles up, airflow can become blocked. Your unit begins to struggle and, therefore, uses more energy when air is unable to flow as it should. An airflow obstruction is likely to cause the system to overheat. A system that overheats could potentially be a fire hazard.
Cracks, Bending, and Breakage
Ice and snow can place a lot of strain on your HVAC system due to weight. The heavy weight of the ice and snow can cause damage to coils and fans. The weight of the frozen precipitation gathering on the fan blades can cause them to bend. In some cases, the weight can be so great that it completely breaks the part. If the weather starts to warm just enough for the ice to begin to melt but then refreezes, another issue can arise. Water that starts to freeze again is likely to expand. Once expanded, it has the potential to cause cracks in the system components.
Outdoor Unit Care
It is essential to have a professional winterize your unit to prepare it for the upcoming winter season. To help ensure your system functions well all season, you can take additional preventative measures. You can buy a cover for your unit. One of our experts can recommend a proper cover that is breathable yet protects your system during the harsh weather. The cover should fit well but not be fully sealed. A partially unsealed cover still allows air to circulate. This is crucial to your system.
Schedule Your Winterization Today
The professionals at Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC are experts you can trust. We have over 40 years of excellent customer reviews. Our doors opened in 1983. Since then, we have grown our HVAC services to include heating and cooling installation, maintenance, and repair. We are proud to be BBB accredited with an A+ rating. In addition, we are also EPA accredited. Our family-owned business is here for you in every season. Call Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC in Billings today for all of your HVAC system needs.
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