Heat pump outdoor unit, snow and defrost

Prevent snow/ice obstruction, refreezing defrost water, vibration and poor clearances around the outdoor unit.

VERT / GREEN

Keep coils and area clear per the manual without striking ice from the coil.

JAUNE / YELLOW

Normal defrost produces water; placement, base and drainage should avoid ice buildup or flow toward foundation.

ROUGE / RED

Coil encased in ice, blocked fan, settled unit, damaged wiring or repeated abnormal defrost: technician.

Guided triage

Snow blocks airflowClear around unit per manufacturer without damaging fins/coil.Defrost water refreezes under unitAssess stand height, grade and water destination.Heavy ice over entire coilDo not mechanically chip the coil; diagnose defrost/charge/airflow.Unit vibrates or leansCheck base, mounts, piping and vibration transmission.

Tools / data

Post-snow/defrost photos
Manual/clearances
Defrost/temperature log

What the professional checks

Verify defrost operation
Check airflow/coil
Correct base/drainage/vibration

Official sources

RNCan — chauffage/refroidissement par thermopompe

Source check / vérification: 2026-08-22. Triage et planification seulement; les travaux réglementés restent aux professionnels requis.

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