Heat Pump Inspection

Heat pump outdoor unit needs proper clearance, level pad, and correct refrigerant charge. Must heat and cool effectively.

1. Check outdoor unit placement — minimum 24" clearance on all sides

2. Verify unit is level on a solid pad (not sinking or tilting)

3. Check refrigerant lines — insulated suction line, properly supported

4. Test heating mode — should produce warm air at registers

5. Test cooling mode — should produce cool air

6. Check defrost cycle — outdoor unit should clear frost/ice automatically

7. Verify backup/auxiliary heat works (electric strips or gas furnace)

8. Check thermostat — should have heat pump specific thermostat with emergency heat setting

- Insufficient clearance (restricts airflow, reduces efficiency)

- Unit not level (compressor damage over time)

- Uninsulated refrigerant lines (energy loss, condensation)

- Poor heating below 35°F (may need auxiliary heat check)

- Defrost not working (outdoor unit ices up completely)

- No backup heat (no heating when temp drops below heat pump range)

- Wrong thermostat type (conventional thermostat cycles wrong for heat pump)