Anyone who has been in Colorado for a while can tell you exactly what to expect during La Niña years: wet, heavy snow. While Colorado is famed for its dry champagne powder, the cooler waters in the Pacific and strong trade winds translate to colder temperatures and heavier snowfall in the Centennial State.
This poses a major threat to your HVAC system, but understanding the risks, preparing ahead, and knowing how to address common issues can turn a major headache into a minor inconvenience.
Why Wet Snow is So Dangerous for Your Furnace
Wet snow occurs when temperatures hover around freezing. Because of the warmer temperatures near the ground, flakes partially melt and then freeze back together as they land. The result is stickier, heavier snowfall that is great for making snowballs but terrible for infrastructure.
According to CompuWeather, one inch of wet snow can contain 2 to 3 times more water than one inch of dry snow. The weight alone puts more strain on your furnace, but the compactability of the snow also increases the risk for vent blockages and ice dams.
Proper preparation is essential to ensure your Carrier system stays in top running shape this winter.
How to Best Protect Your Carrier System This Winter
Seasonal HVAC preparation includes:
- Visually inspecting your system: Check for physical signs of wear, dirt, clogs, leaks, disconnects, frayed wires, or moisture. Clean and seal as needed.
- Replacing your filter: Replace filters every 30 to 60 days to maintain the efficiency of the system.
- Shielding your outside unit: Use either a protective cover that offers plenty of airflow or install a shield above the unit to protect from excessive snowfall and icicle damage.
- Cleaning up your heat pump: Clean coils to ensure efficient heat transfer.
Bi-annual maintenance from reputable HVAC professionals is the quickest, easiest, and most effective way to keep your HVAC system running in top shape, especially when you have tortuous La Niña conditions looming on the horizon. Technicians are likely to catch visual clues that homeowners often miss, leading to long-term cost savings in energy costs and potential system failures.
Cleaning Ice and Snow from Your Carrier System
While prevention is key to maintaining your system this winter, you may still find yourself needing to clear off snow as time goes on.
To do this:
- Make sure your unit is turned off at the thermostat AND at the circuit breaker.
- Use a soft broom or brush to remove snow or ice from the cover. Do not use sharp objects, and do not attempt to pry off or chip at stubborn ice–this is more likely to damage your system.
- Clear icicles that form above your unit. While they make look sturdy, it doesn’t take much for an icicle to fall and quickly rack up hundreds to thousands in repairs.
Remember that wet snow is heavier. Listen to your body, and recruit help if you find cleaning your unit to be too stressful.
Common Furnace Issues Due to Wet Snow (and How to Fix)
Even with proper prevention, you may still run into these common wet snow HVAC issues. Professional diagnosis is the quickest way to deal with these problems, but here are some quick symptoms and potential fixes.
Furnace Short Cycling
Short cycling refers to a unit turning on and off before it can complete a cycle. This usually happens when an external force, such as wet, heavy snow or a dirty filter, blocks airflow and causes the system to overheat. If this is the case, you must remove the blockage before the system will continue operating as normal.
Other causes include:
- Faulty thermostats
- Dirty flame sensors
- Oversized units
These require professional diagnosis to pinpoint the exact issue and replace the affected part.
Faulty Pressure Switch
A Carrier furnace error code 31 indicates an issue with the pressure switch, a safety device that ensures proper airflow in your system. The unit cannot perform as intended until the issue is addressed.
Causes typically include:
- Condensate issues (such as blocked pipes or buildup due to improper drainage)
- Bad inducer motors (typically accompanied by loud noises and burnt electrical smells)
- Faulty switches
Before bringing in a professional, you can try clearing exhaust and intake pipes yourself.
Frozen Heat Pump
While it is not uncommon for heat pumps to host a thin layer of ice, your heat pump should not be frozen solid. This usually happens if there is poor air flow around your heat pump, a malfunctioning fan, low refrigerant levels, or faulty components in the defrost system.
If this is the case it is important you do not attempt to remove the ice manually. This leads to greater damage to the system more often than not, and there are better ways to clear the ice.
First, turn off your heat pump and turn your fan on at the thermostat. This alone should melt the ice because it interrupts the condensation cycle. Persistent ice can indicate a more serious problem with your equipment.
Because the damage can be extensive, it’s important to reach out for professional help.
Blocked Vent
Blocked furnace vents can cause major issues to your HVAC system, but they also pose a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Keep an eye out for symptoms of a furnace vent blocked by snow, such as:
- Furnace shutting off unexpectedly
- Inadequate heating
- Short cycling
- Ice on your exterior pipes
- Strange noises or smells
Make sure you have a functioning Carbon Monoxide detector in your home, and trust your gut if you start to feel sick, especially with a dull headache or dizziness.
People Also Ask
Why is my furnace running but blowing cold air?
If your furnace is running but blowing cold air, it may simply be set to “on” instead of auto, meaning the fan will run without necessarily heating your space. If this isn’t the problem, then you should check for improper thermostat settings, a dirty air filter, too many closed supply vents, or a pilot light that is out. Beyond this, a professional can check for leaks in your air ducts, issues with your gas or oil supply, or issues with your computerized controls or malfunctioning components.
Is it normal for my heat pump to be covered in ice?
It is normal for the heat pump to have a thin cover of ice. The heat pump extracts heat by getting colder than the air surrounding it, leading to condensation building up on top. The condensate will free when temperatures are below freezing, but your heat pump should automatically defrost as needed. If there is a thick, persistent block there may be an issue with your heat pump.
How much clearance does a furnace vent need from snow?
Your furnace vent needs at least 12 inches of clearance from the highest snow level you expect. This limits any chances of snow or ice building up in the exhaust pipes and causing backdrafting or recirculation issues.
What is the ‘wet snow’ risk for HVAC systems?
HVAC systems are at a higher risk for inefficicenty and damage during wet snow conditions. Wet snow is heavier than dry snow, can easily compact and obstruct airflow, and can damage your system by forcing repeating freeze-thaw cycles.
