Protect your investment and boost performance when it matters most
Alex Lane here — your Home Comfort Advocate. Cold climate heat pumps are incredible systems. They’re energy-efficient, low-maintenance, and fully capable of heating homes even when the thermometer dips well below freezing.
But here’s the deal: even the best heat pump needs a little help to stay at peak performance in winter. Between frost, snow, and longer run times, cold weather puts extra pressure on your system — and small maintenance issues can snowball into major problems if you don’t stay ahead of them.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to prepare your heat pump for winter, what to check during the season, and when it’s time to call in a pro. Whether you’ve got a ducted or ductless system, this checklist will help you avoid breakdowns, improve efficiency, and keep your home warm and stress-free all winter long.
Why Cold Weather Maintenance Is Critical for Heat Pumps
Heat pumps in cold climates have to work harder and smarter. Unlike furnaces that cycle on and off, your heat pump runs longer and more frequently in freezing weather — which means everything from airflow to refrigerant levels needs to be dialed in.
Here’s what makes winter so tough on your system:
Subzero Temperatures Test Everything
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Ice and snow can restrict airflow to the outdoor unit
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Oil in the compressor can thicken if the system isn’t protected
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Poor drainage can lead to ice buildup or freeze damage
Ducted and Ductless Systems Both Feel the Strain
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Blocked coils or filters can cause backup heat to kick in unnecessarily
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Improper defrost settings or refrigerant charge can lead to inefficient cycling
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Even small airflow issues can cause major comfort drops in extreme cold
💡 According to Energy.gov, heat pumps can lose 10%–25% of their efficiency if airflow is restricted or the coils are dirty — especially in winter.
Pre-Winter Heat Pump Maintenance Checklist
The best time to do most of this is in the fall, before the first frost hits. If you're past that point, it’s not too late — but the sooner, the better.
1. Clean Around the Outdoor Unit
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Remove leaves, grass clippings, weeds, and debris
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Keep 2–3 feet of clear space on all sides
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Trim nearby shrubs to ensure airflow
A blocked condenser can't breathe — and that means lower efficiency and possible freeze-ups when the weather turns.
2. Inspect the Outdoor Coil and Fan
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Rinse with a hose (gently!) to remove dust and pollen
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Visually check for rust, ice damage, or bent fins
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If you see frozen coils, don’t chip — call a pro
Ice buildup that doesn’t melt during the defrost cycle usually means there’s an airflow, drainage, or refrigerant problem.
3. Test the Defrost Cycle
Modern cold climate units automatically switch into defrost mode to remove frost from the coil. Make sure:
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The system kicks into defrost mode during a frosty morning
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You hear the compressor temporarily pause while the fan runs
If you're unsure whether your system includes advanced defrost controls, check out this guide on the key features to look for in a cold climate heat pump.
4. Clean or Replace Indoor Air Filters
This is one of the most important and most overlooked tasks. Dirty filters restrict airflow and force your system to work harder.
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Change filters every 1–2 months in winter
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More often if you have pets, allergies, or run your system 24/7
🔗 See Angi’s HVAC Maintenance Checklist
5. Insulate Exposed Refrigerant Lines
Your line set (the copper tubing running from the outdoor unit to the house) should be fully wrapped with insulation.
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Check for cracks, missing sections, or exposed copper
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Re-insulate using closed-cell foam pipe wrap or call your installer
Even a few feet of exposed copper can lead to energy losses and frost buildup.
During-Winter Heat Pump Care Tips
Once winter sets in, your system’s working overtime. These tips will help it keep up without burning out.
1. Keep Snow and Ice Away
Snow blocking the outdoor unit = bad news.
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Use a snow rake or brush to keep the top and sides clear
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Avoid tarps or covers that touch the unit (they trap moisture)
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Make sure the condensate drain stays clear
If you're working with a ductless mini-split, clearing snow around the wall-mounted unit is especially important. For tips on how ductless and ducted systems handle winter differently, check out this comparison of ducted vs. ductless heat pumps in cold climates.
2. Watch for Short Cycling or Loud Operation
Signs of trouble:
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The system clicks on and off rapidly
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You hear loud buzzing, gurgling, or banging sounds
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The unit struggles to maintain set temperature
These may point to defrost issues, thermostat miscommunication, or refrigerant imbalance.
🔗 Carrier: Heat Pump Troubleshooting Tips
3. Monitor Your Backup Heat Usage
In cold climates, your system may rely on:
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Electric resistance heat strips
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A dual-fuel furnace (usually gas or propane)
If backup heat is running constantly, your heat pump may be undersized, your filters might be clogged, or your coils could be iced over.
Use Smart Thermostats for Cold Climate Optimization
Smart thermostats do more than help you schedule setpoints — they can also manage:
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Defrost timing
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Backup heat staging
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Temperature swing limits
Models like the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium or Carrier’s Infinity Controller are designed for multi-stage and inverter systems — perfect for cold climate optimization.
When to Call a Pro for Service
You should schedule professional maintenance at least once a year — ideally in the fall before heating season. Your tech should:
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Test defrost mode
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Check refrigerant levels
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Clean indoor and outdoor coils
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Inspect electrical connections and capacitors
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Confirm system staging and thermostat communication
If you’re not sure what type of service plan is best for your equipment, it helps to understand how different manufacturers handle cold climate performance. Start by reading our breakdown of Mitsubishi vs. Carrier vs. Lennox heat pumps for cold climates.
🔗 Energy.gov: Operating and Maintaining Your Heat Pump
Red Flags That Need Immediate Attention:
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Persistent frost or ice on the outdoor unit
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No heat, even with backup running
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Constant cycling without warming the space
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Sudden spike in electric bills
Bonus Tips for Long-Term Reliability
Elevate the Outdoor Unit
Raising the condenser by 6–12 inches prevents snow accumulation and allows for proper drainage.
Use Surge Protection
Storm-related power fluctuations and winter outages can damage your control board or compressor. Add a surge protector rated for HVAC use.
Enroll in a Maintenance Plan
Many HVAC companies offer service memberships that include:
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Priority scheduling
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Biannual inspections
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Discounted repairs or filter deliveries
Need more maintenance insights straight from the pros? 🔗 Check out Trane’s Heat Pump Maintenance Tips for seasonal guidance and energy-saving advice.
Final Take: Winter Maintenance Makes a Big Difference
If you want your heat pump to perform in the cold, a little TLC goes a long way. From clearing snow to cleaning filters, winter maintenance keeps your system efficient, safe, and reliable when you need it most.
Whether you’ve got a ducted system, a ductless mini-split, or a hybrid setup, following this checklist helps you avoid repairs, lower your energy bills, and extend the life of your equipment.
Want to be sure your heat pump is winter-ready from the start?
🔗 Explore the Best Heat Pumps for Cold Climates in 2025
Already installed and curious how yours stacks up?
🔗 Check out: Ductless vs. Ducted Heat Pumps for Cold Climates
Alex Lane
Your Home Comfort Advocate
