Clean outdoor heat pump unit

Short answer

Each spring, shut off power at the disconnect, remove the top grille, spray the fins from inside out with a garden hose, and clear debris from the base.

Priority: Medium
Difficulty: DIY
Time: 20 min
How often: Once a year
Season: Spring

Why It Matters

Leaves and grass block airflow through the outdoor coil, hurting efficiency and forcing the compressor to work harder year-round. A heat pump's outdoor unit runs through every season, not just summer.

Tools

Garden hose
Screwdriver or nut driver

How to Do It

Shut off power at the outdoor disconnect box near the unit.
Remove the top grille or panel using a screwdriver or nut driver, and set it aside.
Spray the fins from the inside out with a garden hose, working gently to avoid bending the aluminum fins.
Clear leaves and debris from around the base of the unit.
Replace the grille and turn power back on at the disconnect.

Clear snow and ice from outdoor heat pump unit Once a year
Schedule heat pump tune-up Once a year
Clean air ducts professionally Every 3 years

Part Of

HVAC Heat Pump

Last updated 24 September 2026

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