Why Your Heat Pump Is Stuck in Heating Mode

If you own a heat pump, there’s a good chance that part of the reason you installed it was to take advantage of its ability to both heat and cool a home. That ability is hardly helpful, however, when you turn it on during the summer and it will only blow hot air. Getting stuck in one mode or another is a common problem with heat pumps, and it can be extremely frustrating for people. Fortunately, it’s not too serious of a problem. Let’s take a look at why this happens, and what can be done to fix it.

The Reversing Valve

The reason that a heat pump can switch between heating and cooling modes is a small part called the “reversing valve.” This is a four-way valve that sits in the refrigerant line, and directs the flow of refrigerant through the system. A slide moves from one end of the valve chamber to the other, with each position dictating whether the heat pump is in heating or cooling mode. The slide is moved by a solenoid, which is an electromagnet attached to the valve. Without this part, the heat pump would be unable to switch modes.

Valve Issues

If your heat pump is stuck in heating or cooling mode, it means one of two things. One, the slide is stuck in the valve and won’t move, or two, the solenoid has lost its charge and is unable to move the slide. If the slide is stuck, it can be fixed by opening up the valve and manually freeing it. If the solenoid has lost its charge, though, it will need to be replaced in order for the heat pump to be restored.

If your heat pump is having problems, call Speedy Air Conditioning Service. We service heat pumps throughout Port St. Lucie, FL.