The Hidden Costs of Freeze Damage
It was February 2021 when the Polar Vortex plunged a large portion of the United States into chaos. Though many knew the storm as the “Texas Freeze,” its impact stretched far beyond a single state. Homes and businesses in more than 20 states faced paralyzing temperatures, extended power outages, and burst pipes. The financial toll? A staggering $17.5 billion in insured losses when adjusted for inflation to 2023 dollars, making it the costliest winter event in the last 70 years.
While the Texas Freeze captured headlines, it’s far from unique. Just a year later, in December 2022, a massive winter storm swept through the nation. This time, the damage came with an additional $8 billion price tag, impacting countless commercial and industrial properties.
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The Overlooked Danger
Freeze damage happens not only during extreme winter events but also during cold snaps that slip below the radar of headlines. HVAC systems, in particular, are at high risk. When coils freeze, they expand. That expansion can lead to cracked pipes, complete system breakdowns, and massive water leaks. For one industrial facility, that could mean hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses—not just in repairs but also in downtime and lost productivity.
Take, for example, the blizzard of 1993. With snowfalls of 20-50 inches and record-low temperatures, properties from Florida to Maine were left vulnerable. The financial cost in today’s dollars? Over $4.4 billion. This demonstrates that no matter your location, preparation is essential.
Protecting Coils Against Inevitable Freeze Risks
The risk is real, but the solution is simpler than most realize. Freeze Block coils offer a simple yet effective way to protect HVAC systems from freeze damage. These coils are designed to prevent ruptures by allowing the coil to freeze safely without causing bulges or splits.
Typically, HVAC coils freeze in two ways—either outward from the center or inward from the edges. Both scenarios can lead to bursts as ice builds up and increases pressure. The Cooney Freeze Block Coil addresses this problem with a pressure and temperature-sensing relief valve. This unique feature releases pressure before it causes damage, keeping the system intact.
By preventing bursts, Freeze Block coils save you from expensive repairs and replacements. With this advanced protection, your HVAC system is equipped to handle even the toughest winter conditions, giving you peace of mind all season long.
Key Takeaway
Freeze damage can strike fast and hard, creating high-cost, high-risk scenarios for commercial and industrial facilities. By installing Freeze Block coils ahead of winter, facilities can protect their HVAC systems, minimize risks, and avoid becoming another statistic in the billions lost to winter storms.
