Ellsworth gets about 43 inches of snow in a typical winter, and January nights often drop into the single digits. That's when your heat pump works its hardest. It's also when snow and ice are most likely to get in its way.

The good news is that most of what keeps it running is simple. You can handle a lot of it with a broom after each storm. Here's how to help your heat pump through a Pierce County winter, and how to tell when it's time to call for help.

Why Your Heat Pump Needs Airflow, Even in Winter

Even on a below-zero morning, the outdoor air still holds some heat. Your heat pump's outdoor unit pulls that heat in and moves it inside your home. To do that, it needs a steady flow of air across its coils.

When snow, ice, or leaves pack against the top and sides, the unit can't pull in enough air. It has to work harder. That means less heat, higher energy bills, and extra wear on its parts.

Watch for Drifts After Windy Storms

Snow doesn't always fall straight down around here. On open lots outside town, wind can push drifts against the side of your home. Your outdoor unit can get buried even after a modest snowfall.

Check the unit after every storm and every windy day. Aim to keep about two feet of clear space on all sides. If your unit sits on a raised stand, keep the space underneath clear too, so melted frost can drain away.

Clear Snow Gently

Use a broom or soft brush to sweep loose snow off the top and away from the sides. Keep shovels and other hard tools away from the unit. They can dent the casing or bend the thin metal fins inside.

When you clear your driveway or sidewalk, don't toss snow toward the heat pump. If you use a snowblower, aim the chute away from the unit.

Don't Chip Ice or Pour Hot Water on It

If you find ice on your heat pump, don't chip at it. A shovel, screwdriver, or ice scraper can bend or puncture the fins. Damaged fins block airflow and can lead to costly repairs.

Skip the hot water, too. The sudden temperature change can crack parts. The water will also likely refreeze, especially on a single-digit day. If thick ice doesn't go away on its own, call a professional.

Some Frost Is Normal

A thin layer of white frost on the outdoor unit is normal in cold, damp weather. Your heat pump handles it on its own with a defrost cycle.

During a defrost cycle, the unit briefly reverses to warm its outdoor coils and melt the frost. You might hear the sound change or see steam rise from the top. That's normal. It usually lasts a few minutes before regular heating starts again.

When Ice Buildup Is Not Normal

A thick, solid block of ice is different. It usually means the unit isn't defrosting the way it should, or something else is keeping the ice from melting. That's a job for a technician, and the signs are listed at the end of this post.

Keep Roof Runoff off the Heat Pump

Dripping water is one of the most common causes of ice on a heat pump. On sunny winter days, snow on the roof melts and drips from the eaves. When the temperature drops at night, that water freezes on the unit. Layer by layer, it can build into a solid block of ice.

Ice dams and clogged gutters make the dripping worse. Look at the roofline above your outdoor unit. Clear your gutters before the first big snow if you can, and point downspouts away from the unit.

If your unit sits right under the eaves, a small diverter or shelter can help. Ask a technician which kind is safe for your model, since covering a heat pump the wrong way can block its airflow.

Check Your Indoor Filter Too

Airflow matters inside your home, too. During an Ellsworth winter, your system runs for long stretches, so the indoor air filter clogs faster. A dirty filter makes the whole system work harder.

Check your filter once a month during heating season. Replace it when it looks dirty.

Check Your Backup Heat Before the Coldest Weeks

Modern heat pumps can heat your home in very cold weather, but they lose efficiency as temperatures fall. During Ellsworth's coldest stretches, most heat pumps rely on backup heat.

Backup heat is usually electric heat strips or a furnace. It turns on automatically when the heat pump can't keep up alone. Before January arrives, it helps to know:

  • What type of backup heat you have
  • Whether it turns on when it should
  • How much fuel is in your tank, if your backup is a propane furnace
  • Whether you're on an off-peak or dual fuel electric rate, which can switch your home to backup heat during peak demand

A fall heating tune-up is a good time to have a technician make sure your backup heat is ready.

When to Call for Help

Clearing loose snow is a great do-it-yourself job. Bigger problems need a trained technician.

Call a professional if you notice any of these signs:

  • Thick ice covering the unit
  • Ice that stays for hours or days
  • Ice blocking the fan blades
  • No heat, or a home that won't reach the set temperature
  • A breaker that keeps tripping
  • Frequent shutdowns
  • Grinding, banging, or other loud noises
  • Backup heat that isn't working

A little attention after each storm helps your heat pump make it through a long Western Wisconsin winter. Keep it clear, know normal frost from problem ice, and treat the unit gently. Our locally owned team serves Ellsworth, Hager City, Spring Valley, and the surrounding area, and we're available 24/7 when the heat goes out.

Call One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® of Western Wisconsin for heat pump repair in Ellsworth and nearby communities. We're Always On Time…Or You Don't Pay A Dime!®