HP/AC

[DanW13]

Does putting a HP/AC out of the elements like wind snow make them more effiecent or does it not matter where there placed and is only based on ambient temputure that affects the COP of any particular make/model ?

[beenthere]

If one side tends to get drift snow more then any other side. It makes a difference on performance.

I hate shoveling snow, to get to a HP.

[DanW13]

So other than snow piling on them there's nothing else that would downgrade the efficency ??? The wind, Sun or elements do not affect the efficiency

[beenthere]

20° air is 20° at 0 MPH wind or 20MPH wind.

The sun has little effect on the outdoor unit.

Freezing rain does tend to mess them up. Freezes to the coil. But for the most part, no way to protect it with a shelter that won't hinder its operation under normal circumstances.

So if you have a period of freezing rain, its better to turn on the emergency heat, until it passes.