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How To Protect Your Heat Pump in Winter: Michigan Homeowner Tips
Winter in Michigan is coming fast—and your hands are already reaching for the thermostat. During the coldest months, your heat pump in winter becomes one of the most important members of the household. While furnaces rely on gas or oil, heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat, keeping your home warm efficiently and affordably.
At Iceberg Heating & Cooling, we know that Michigan winters can challenge even the toughest systems. Snow, ice, and freezing winds can all affect the performance of your outdoor heat pump. Here’s how to protect it, keep it efficient, and make sure it delivers the warmth you need all winter long.
1. Remove Snow and Ice From Your Heat Pump in Winter
Because of their design, heat pumps in winter can accumulate snow and ice on the coils and casing. This buildup blocks airflow and forces the system to work harder.
How to clean your heat pump safely:
- Turn off power to the unit using the circuit breaker.
- Gently remove snow and ice with gloved hands—never use sharp tools.
- Check the area frequently after storms to prevent buildup.
Keeping your heat pump clear of snow ensures it can draw and distribute air efficiently, even on freezing days.
2. Clear Out Debris Around the Heat Pump
Wind, leaves, and litter can collect around your outdoor unit. Clear at least two feet of open space around it so the heat pump in winter has proper airflow.
Quick tip: Shut off power, then use a Shop-Vac or your hands to remove leaves and dirt. If you’re unsure about cleaning the interior safely, contact Iceberg Heating & Cooling for professional maintenance.
3. Cover or Shelter Your Heat Pump
Protect your heat pump in winter from heavy snow by installing a shelter or weather-resistant cover. Choose an outdoor cover that allows full ventilation and doesn’t block the airflow your system needs.
You can also build a small, open-sided enclosure with PVC, wood, or lattice panels to block wind and drifting snow.
4. Schedule Professional Heat Pump Maintenance
The best way to prevent mid-winter breakdowns is with professional heat pump maintenance. Annual tune-ups keep your system running efficiently and extend its lifespan.
Our Iceberg Heating & Cooling technicians:
- Inspect coils, refrigerant, and electrical components
- Calibrate controls and test system performance
- Clean the unit and verify defrost operation
- Identify early signs of wear before they cause failure
When you schedule heat pump maintenance in winter, you’ll ensure your system is ready for whatever Michigan weather brings.
Why Choose Iceberg Heating & Cooling?
Since 1998, Iceberg Heating & Cooling has helped Michigan homeowners in Ann Arbor, Monroe, and Canton stay warm and efficient through long winters. As your local HVAC experts, we provide:
- Professional heat pump installation and repair
- Preventive maintenance for all heating systems
- Honest pricing and reliable customer service
Get Heat Pump Maintenance
- Protecting your heat pump is important, but maintaining it is essential.
- Having an HVAC contractor perform maintenance on your heat pump will prevent malfunction and prolong its lifespan.
- Iceberg provides affordable heat pump maintenance services at an affordable cost and will ensure functionality throughout the unforgiving Michigan winter.
Protect your mini split heat pump and enjoy the warmth and comfort you deserve this winter. If you are experiencing unfavorable results from your heat pump, or need maintenance done, Iceberg Heating & Cooling is ready to take care of it!
How Do I Choose a Durable Heat Pump That Performs Well During Freezing Temperatures?
Winter is the ideal time to buy a heat pump since it’s important that the system can produce good heating output when temperatures fall below freezing. A cold-climate heat pump in winter has features and certifications that ensure it will run dependably and with good energy efficiency in sub-freezing conditions.
When you want a reliable heat pump in winter, there are five key purchasing decisions to keep in mind:
1. Choose a Cold-Climate or All-Weather Heat Pump
When the temperature outside is freezing, look for a cold-climate or all-weather heat pump model with the ENERGY STAR® Cold Climate designation. Cold climate heat pumps are designed with specialized compressors and variable-speed technology to provide good heating output even at outdoor temperatures below 5°F. They’re the best way to buy a durable heat pump in winter.
2. Look for Variable-Speed or Inverter Technology
A cold-climate heat pump in winter with inverter-driven compressor technology will adjust heating output automatically to your home’s demand. This means the unit will avoid constant on-off cycling and save energy while providing steady comfort. A variable-speed heat pump in winter runs much quieter and more efficiently than older single-stage models.
3. Check HSPF2 and SEER2 Ratings
Heating and cooling efficiency ratings are important:
HSPF2 (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) rating for heating efficiency.
SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating for cooling efficiency.
Choose a heat pump in winter with an HSPF2 of at least 8.5 and a SEER2 of at least 16 for the best performance and energy savings.
4. Consider Dual-Fuel Compatibility
In northern climates with very long and cold winters like Michigan, Indiana or the Midwest, consider a dual-fuel heat pump system. It combines an electric heat pump with a gas furnace as a backup heat source. Dual-fuel systems automatically switch to gas heating when it’s too cold outside for the heat pump to efficiently produce heat. This ensures you never lose heating comfort during severe cold snaps.
5. Work With a Qualified HVAC Professional
Selecting the right heat pump for winter is only half the battle. Proper installation is critical and only certified HVAC technicians like those at Iceberg Heating & Cooling can size the unit properly, confirm airflow and adjust refrigerant levels for optimal performance and energy efficiency.
Summary: A durable heat pump in winter is cold-climate rated, inverter-driven, dual-fuel compatible and installed by an experienced HVAC contractor. With the right equipment and installation, you can rely on your heat pump to provide steady warmth, save on energy costs and perform well even when the temperature outside is below freezing.
