Clear leaves from the AC unit
What to do
Pull leaves and debris away from your outdoor unit and keep about 2 feet clear around it. On an AC, a board on top keeps leaves out; don't wrap the whole unit. Skip the board on a heat pump, since it runs all winter and needs open air on top.
Why it matters
Leaves block the airflow the unit needs, so it works harder and costs more to run. On a heat pump, blocked airflow in winter can let ice build up faster than it can melt, and thick ice can damage the unit.
What you need
Gloves, a board
Source: AC upkeep (U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Saver 101: Home Cooling, opens in new tab) · heat pumps (U.S. Department of Energy, You Installed an Air Source Heat Pump. Now What?, opens in new tab)
General guidance only. Check your local codes and authorities, which can be stricter than national rules.