Ohio winters are hard on heat pumps because they spend much of the season near the balance point, switching between compressor heat and auxiliary strips. A unit that blows cool air in heating mode, ices over on the outdoor coil and never clears it, short cycles, or runs constantly while the electric bill climbs usually has a specific fault rather than general wear. Common causes are a stuck reversing valve, a failed defrost board or sensor, low refrigerant charge, a weak capacitor, or auxiliary heat that has locked on.
Some frost on the outdoor coil in cold weather is normal; a solid sheet of ice that survives a defrost cycle is not. A professional will test defrost operation, measure refrigerant pressures and superheat, and check the reversing valve and airflow. Pro HVAC connects homeowners in Shaker Heights, OH with HVAC professionals. Call (321) 463-9811.