When temperatures plunge below freezing in West Tennessee and North Mississippi, HVAC systems across Counce, Pickwick, Savannah, Hardin County, and Corinth, MS are pushed to work harder than at any other time of year. That’s why many breakdowns seem to happen during — or immediately after — the coldest nights.
It’s not bad luck. It’s physics, wear, and stress adding up.
Here’s why freezing weather causes HVAC failures and what homeowners should know.
Cold Weather Forces Systems to Run Longer
During a freeze, your heating system may run for hours at a time without shutting off. That extended runtime increases wear on:
Motors and bearings
Blower components
Electrical connections
If parts were already worn, extreme cold can push them past their limit.
Electrical Components Are Under Extra Strain
Cold snaps often come with power fluctuations, outages, and restarts. Each on-off cycle stresses electrical parts such as:
Contactors and relays
Control boards
Sensors and thermostats
Even brief outages can cause delayed failures that don’t show up until days later.
Heat Pumps Struggle in Extreme Cold
Heat pumps are common throughout West Tennessee and North Mississippi, but freezing temperatures make it harder for them to extract heat from outdoor air.
During extreme cold:
Defrost cycles run more frequently
Ice buildup reduces efficiency
Backup heat engages more often
This added workload increases energy use and exposes weak components.
Deferred Maintenance Shows Up at the Worst Time
Many winter breakdowns trace back to small issues that weren’t a problem during mild weather, such as:
Dirty air filters
Restricted airflow
Loose electrical connections
Cold weather magnifies these issues, turning minor problems into full system shutdowns.
Overnight Temperatures Are the Most Dangerous
Most winter HVAC failures happen overnight when temperatures are lowest and systems run continuously for long stretches. That’s when components experience the most stress — and when homeowners wake up to a cold house.
This is a common scenario across Hardin County and Corinth, MS during winter cold snaps.
How to Reduce the Risk of a Winter Breakdown
While no system is immune to freezing weather, homeowners can reduce risk by:
Scheduling annual HVAC maintenance
Changing air filters regularly
Addressing small performance issues early
Having the system inspected after extreme cold
These steps help catch problems before the next freeze hits.
When to Call for HVAC Service
If your system:
Runs constantly without warming the home
Makes new or unusual noises
Cycles on and off frequently
Causes a sudden spike in energy bills
it’s time to schedule professional service.
Local Help During Cold Weather
At Harbin Heating & Air Conditioning, we help homeowners throughout Counce, Pickwick, Savannah, Hardin County, Corinth, MS, and North Mississippi diagnose and prevent cold-weather HVAC failures.
📞 Call 731-689-3651 to schedule HVAC service or an inspection
📍 5910 Hwy 57 • Counce, TN 38326
Freezing temperatures put HVAC systems to the test. A proactive check now can help you avoid waking up to a cold home when winter isn’t finished yet.
