Clear snow and ice from outdoor heat pump unit
Short answer
After each snowfall, clear drifts from around the unit and knock loose ice off the top and sides by hand; light ice clears during the defrost cycle.
Why It Matters
A heat pump's outdoor unit keeps running through winter. Snow drifts and ice buildup block airflow and can damage the fan or coil if the unit runs while obstructed.
How to Do It
- After a snowfall, walk out to the outdoor unit and assess how much snow and ice has accumulated around the base, top, and sides.
- Scoop or push snow drifts away from all sides of the unit so airflow is unobstructed.
- Knock loose ice off the top and sides of the unit by hand. Do not chip or scrape ice directly off the coil fins.
- Leave any thin, stubborn ice layer in place. The unit's defrost cycle will clear it on its own.
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