Local weather forecasters are predicting that this February in Oregon will be cold and that we will be seeing several different storm situations that could bring ice and/or snow. We have another month or so left of winter and with snow and ice potentially on the horizon, it’s important to know how to protect your heating system from ice and snow. Here are some helpful tips.

1: Get rid of debris.

Be sure that your outside unit is clear of debris with a two-foot clearance around the unit, including the top. Never use sharp objects to remove any ice or snow that has accumulated on or around the unit, as this could cause damage. It’s also important to remember to never put any storage on top of the unit.

2: Prune trees.

If there are trees surrounding the outside of the unit, be sure the trees are pruned regularly so there is not a risk of weak tree limbs falling and damaging the unit. Snow and ice can build up on those limbs and cause them to crack and break, falling and causing expensive damage to the furnace or heat pump.

3: Cover and insulate pipes.

If there are pipes or tubes that that are exposed on the unit, be sure they are covered and insulated before the freezing weather hits. Pipes are prone to bursting during freezing temperatures and it’s important that they are protected during the coldest winter days.

4: Schedule preventative maintenance.

Staying on top of preventative maintenance for your system is key to detecting any hidden problems. During this appointment, our experienced technicians will clean or replace air filters, clean the blower motor, check for any undiagnosed issues, replace any parts, and ensure that the machine is working at peak efficiency so there are no unexpected breakdowns or surprises when you need your heating system the most.

Perhaps your system is on its way out and it isn’t reliable enough to provide constant warmth for the rest of winter and into spring. Contact us today for information on getting a new system in place. Perhaps it just needs a tune-up or repair – we can do that too! We look forward to serving you!