How Cold Weather Really Affects Your HVAC System – And Why It Matters for Michigan Homes and Businesses

When Michigan winter hits hard (think wind chills in the negatives and snow piling up for days) your HVAC system becomes one of the most critical components in your home or business. But did you know that extreme cold doesn’t just make your system work harder – it can actually cause it to struggle, especially if it's older or overdue for maintenance.

At Technical Hot and Cold, we’ve seen it all: home furnaces that won’t start on a freezing morning, commercial rooftop units short-cycling during critical business hours, and equipment failure that could’ve been avoided with a little preventative care.

Let’s break down how sub-zero temps truly impact your HVAC system, what cold-weather stress looks like, and what both homeowners and business owners should be watching for.

How Cold Temperatures Strain HVAC Systems

Your heating system isn’t just "on" more often in the winter – it’s working overtime. When the outside temperature drops below freezing, your HVAC unit must:

• Run longer heating cycles to maintain indoor comfort.
• Overcome increased heat loss from windows, walls, and insulation.
• Battle cold air drafts entering through doors or poorly sealed areas.
• Start up more frequently (especially in older systems), which draws more energy and adds wear and tear.

For older units or systems with underlying issues, this extra workload can tip things into failure.

Signs Your HVAC System is Under Cold Weather Stress

Whether you're heating a family home or keeping a commercial building up and running, these are the red flags to watch for during the cold winter months:

1. Slow Startup or No Response

If your system takes longer than usual to kick on, or doesn't respond at all, it could be due to cold-stiffened components, weak ignition, or a faltering blower motor.

2. Short Cycling

Short cycling is when your system turns on and off rapidly. This often means it’s struggling to keep up with demand, potentially due to a clogged filter, thermostat issues, or overheating components. In commercial settings, this can spike your energy bills and reduce equipment lifespan.

3. Uneven Heating or Cold Spots

A furnace or rooftop unit that used to keep things balanced may begin showing weak airflow or uneven heating. This could be caused by frozen coils, leaky ductwork, or restricted airflow from dirty filters.

4. Strange Noises

Loud clanking, squealing, or rattling during operation? Cold metal components and aging parts can produce noise under strain. Don’t ignore it – it’s a sign something’s wearing down or coming loose.

5. Ice Buildup

It’s more common on commercial units (like rooftop systems), but if you see frost or ice collecting on parts of your HVAC system, it’s a serious warning sign. Improper drainage, low refrigerant, or poor airflow can all lead to dangerous freezing conditions.

Residential Impact: Comfort, Safety, and Peace of Mind

For homeowners, furnace failure in sub-zero temperatures is more than inconvenient, it can be dangerous. Most furnace issues happen at the worst possible time, when temperatures are lowest and your system is working the hardest.

That's why preventative maintenance, like your annual furnace inspection, is key. During your inspection we complete an igniter check, flame sensor inspection, burner cleaning, check system static pressure, perform a combustion analysis, check gas pressure, and ensure everything is running smoothly before the cold makes small issues worse.

Pro Tip for Homeowners: If your furnace is more than 12–15 years old and you’ve noticed delayed heating or rising energy bills, it’s worth having it professionally assessed before a cold snap hits.

Commercial Impact: Downtime, Cost, and Customer Comfort

For business owners, HVAC failure can disrupt operations, affect customer experience, and create unsafe work conditions. Restaurants, retail stores, office spaces, and manufacturing facilities – all rely on stable heating to maintain smooth operations and employee comfort.

Rooftop units (RTUs) are especially vulnerable during extreme cold:

• Components can freeze if not properly insulated or maintained.
• Electrical issues may arise from fluctuating voltage in sub-zero temps.
• Burners and heat exchangers work harder, increasing failure risk.

With a custom Preventative Maintenance Plan from Technical Hot and Cold, you can get ahead of potential issues with your system and avoid the headache entirely. Our engineers first assess your facility and equipment then design a maintenance schedule that fits your needs, and keep detailed records for every visit so issues are spotted before they cause breakdowns. Not to mention, with a PM Plan you get priority service should an emergency arise.

Pro Tip for Businesses: Don’t wait until a system failure forces you to pause operations or close the doors — proactive service prevents unexpected downtime and protects your reputation.

What You Can Do Today

Cold weather is inevitable in Michigan, but breakdowns don’t have to be. Here’s what you can do right now:

• Change your air filter (a dirty filter is one of the top causes of short cycling).
• Listen to your system – if it sounds different, it probably is.
• Schedule a furnace inspection or commercial system review before temperatures drop further.
• Ask about our TechCheck and commercial PM plans for year-round peace of mind.

Not Sure How Your System’s Holding Up?

Have you noticed slow starts, short cycling, or cold spots in your home or building? Wondering if your older system can make it through another Michigan winter? Let’s make sure you stay warm, keep energy costs low, and avoid a mid-winter emergency.

We’re happy to take a look. Call Technical Hot & Cold today at (734) 326-3900.