How To Protect Your Outdoor Heating Pump

<p>Heat pumps are usually used in milder climates, where winter exists but temperatures arenā€™t as harsh as northern climates. A heat pump needs protection so it functions well and keeps the house warm. Understanding <strong>how to protect your outdoor heating pump </strong>is essential to have an efficient heating system. </p><h2>Build a Roof</h2><p>Snowfall is a problem for heat pumps. Remove snow when it piles up around and on top of the heat pump.</p><p>However, we donā€™t recommend completely covering it. The pump works by bringing in external air, heating it, then pumping it into your house. If you cover it, the pump wonā€™t be able to suck in air. </p><p>Instead, build a roof over the heat pump. Keep in mind a heat pump needs 18-24 inches of space all around so it can do its job properly. When a roof is built correctly and leaves enough space for the pump, it can alleviate snow issues. </p><h2>Check the Defrost Cycle</h2><p>Heat pumps have a defrost cycle to keep ice from forming. If you stay on top of yearly maintenance checks with your HVAC professional, your defrost cycle will work well. If you notice ice buildup in the winter, call your service. Ice buildup on a heat pump is damaging and eventually causes the pump to stop working. </p><h2>Create a Wind Barrier</h2><p>Creating a wind barrier helps the heat pump run efficiently. Wind causes the following issues:</p><ul><li>Less fan efficiency</li><li>Less fan reliability</li><li>Fan damage </li><li>Ice accumulation </li><li>Unstable indoor temperatures</li></ul><p>Create wind barriers by planting hedges and shrubs in front of the pump. Keep your barrier 18-24 inches away from the heat pump for greater efficiency. </p><h2>Off the Ground</h2><p>Elevate your heat pump to avoid contact with snowfall and heavy rains. Elevation also helps with proper drainage of the heat pump. </p><p>Raise a heat pump at least six inches off the ground (or higher if heavy snowfall is predicted.) You can do this using risers or concrete blocks. </p><h2>Redirect Gutters</h2><p>When gutters drip rainwater melted snow onto the heat pump, it goes into the coils and freezes, causing problems. This situation is easily remedied by redirecting the water flow from the gutters. Check the gutter near your heat pump and reroute where the water drips. </p><p>We hope our guide for <strong>how to protect your outdoor heating pump</strong> is helpful as the colder months begin. Keep your yearly maintenance checks scheduled for maximum efficiency and keep an eye out for any issues in between. </p><p>At Pioneer Mini Split, we offer a <a href="https://www.pioneerminisplit.com/collections/ducted"><strong>ducted split system</strong></a> for all your heating and cooling needs. We also offer other system choices. Browse our convenient online store or contact us for more information. </p>

Heat pumps are usually used in milder climates, where winter exists but temperatures arenā€™t as harsh as northern climates. A heat pump needs protection so it functions well and keeps the house warm. Understanding how to protect your outdoor heating pump is essential to have an efficient heating system.

Build a Roof

Snowfall is a problem for heat pumps. Remove snow when it piles up around and on top of the heat pump.

However, we donā€™t recommend completely covering it. The pump works by bringing in external air, heating it, then pumping it into your house. If you cover it, the pump wonā€™t be able to suck in air.

Instead, build a roof over the heat pump. Keep in mind a heat pump needs 18-24 inches of space all around so it can do its job properly. When a roof is built correctly and leaves enough space for the pump, it can alleviate snow issues.

Check the Defrost Cycle

Heat pumps have a defrost cycle to keep ice from forming. If you stay on top of yearly maintenance checks with your HVAC professional, your defrost cycle will work well. If you notice ice buildup in the winter, call your service. Ice buildup on a heat pump is damaging and eventually causes the pump to stop working.

Create a Wind Barrier

Creating a wind barrier helps the heat pump run efficiently. Wind causes the following issues:

  • Less fan efficiency
  • Less fan reliability
  • Fan damage
  • Ice accumulation
  • Unstable indoor temperatures

Create wind barriers by planting hedges and shrubs in front of the pump. Keep your barrier 18-24 inches away from the heat pump for greater efficiency.

Off the Ground

Elevate your heat pump to avoid contact with snowfall and heavy rains. Elevation also helps with proper drainage of the heat pump.

Raise a heat pump at least six inches off the ground (or higher if heavy snowfall is predicted.) You can do this using risers or concrete blocks.

Redirect Gutters

When gutters drip rainwater melted snow onto the heat pump, it goes into the coils and freezes, causing problems. This situation is easily remedied by redirecting the water flow from the gutters. Check the gutter near your heat pump and reroute where the water drips.

We hope our guide for how to protect your outdoor heating pump is helpful as the colder months begin. Keep your yearly maintenance checks scheduled for maximum efficiency and keep an eye out for any issues in between.

At Pioneer Mini Split, we offer a ducted split system for all your heating and cooling needs. We also offer other system choices. Browse our convenient online store or contact us for more information.

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