Clear heat pump outdoor unit of ice & snow
Why it matters
Iced or snow-buried outdoor coils block defrost cycles, causing frozen evaporator cores and complete heating failure in sub-zero weather. Without heat, pipes freeze and burst overnight.
Stop forgetting to do this.
Hearth generates a personalized maintenance schedule so you never miss another clear heat pump outdoor unit of ice & snow.
How to do it
- 1
Visually inspect the outdoor heat pump coil for ice or frost accumulation.
- 2
Use a soft plastic scraper or plastic brush to gently chip away ice from coil fins.
- 3
Remove snow and debris from around the unit base and sides.
- 4
Ensure at least 2–3 feet of clearance on all sides for airflow.
- 5
Never use hot water, salt, or sharp tools that may damage refrigerant tubing.
- 6
Verify heat operation resumes after ice is cleared.