Perfect storm challenging new heating systems
A heat pump is covered in snow Monday morning. Credit: Newsday/Mark Harrington
Over the past decade, tens of thousands of Long Islanders have taken advantage of generous rebates and tax credits to install heat pump heating and cooling systems, which use ambient air or steady underground temperatures to provide efficient heating and cooling.
But the systems are put to the test in cold weather, especially if extremely low temperatures are accompanied by heavy, drifting snow. The current blizzard is creating a perfect storm for the units, causing snow to pile up in ways few have seen since installing new generations of heat pumps in the past five years.
PSEG spokeswoman Elizabeth Flagler noted heat pumps generally “work best with a clear space around and above the outdoor unit.” The utility advised that customers “clear snow from top and sides of the unit, including the base to allow for proper drainage during defrost cycle.”
She also advised customers to follow any instructions from manufacturers or installers about their particular systems.
Clearing may involve several trips out to the units as waves of new snow and wind can cause snow to pile up again, even over the course of an hour.
Mark Harrington, a Newsday reporter since 1999, covers energy, wineries, Indian affairs and fisheries.
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