Key takeaways
- Clean or change the filter every one to three months — it’s the biggest single thing you can do.
- Keep the outdoor unit clear of snow, ice and leaves, and never cover it in winter.
- Book a professional check-up once a year, ideally before heating season.
Care at a glance
| How often | What to do |
|---|---|
| Every 1–3 months | Clean or replace the filter |
| After a snowfall | Clear snow around and on top of the outdoor unit |
| Spring and fall | Clear leaves and debris from the outdoor unit |
| Once a year | Professional check-up, ideally before heating season |
| Never do this | Cover the outdoor unit in winter |
Every month or two
- Check the filter; clean washable ones or replace disposable ones
- Turn the power off, then dust ductless heads and wipe their front panels
- Make sure vents and returns aren’t blocked by furniture or rugs
The outdoor unit, season by season
WinterKeep about 30–60 cm clear around the unit and brush snow off the top. Never chip ice off the coil — let the defrost cycle melt it, or call your installer.
SpringClear leaves and debris, and check that the unit sits level on a solid pad or bracket.
SummerTrim plants back so air can flow freely around the unit.
FallClear fallen leaves, and make sure snow and ice from the roof can’t drop onto the unit.
Never cover it in winter
Unlike an air conditioner, a heat pump runs all winter. A cover blocks the airflow it needs and can damage it.
The yearly check-up
- Refrigerant charge and pressures checked
- Indoor and outdoor coils cleaned
- Condensate drain cleared
- Electrical connections tightened and tested
- Defrost and backup heat tested
- Thermostat settings reviewed
Some manufacturer warranties ask for proof of regular maintenance, so keep the receipts with your warranty papers.
When to call your installer
- Ice stays on the outdoor coil for hours, or the whole unit is encased in ice
- Rooms stay cold even though the system is running
- Water drips from an indoor unit
- New grinding, rattling or banging noises
- An error on the thermostat, or backup heat running much more than usual
Steam is normal
A cloud of steam from the outdoor unit in winter is the defrost cycle, not a fault.
Common questions
How long does a heat pump last?
Often 15 years or more with regular maintenance.
Can I hose down the outdoor unit?
A gentle rinse with a garden hose in summer, with the power off, is fine. Never use a pressure washer — it bends the coil fins.