Heat Pump Not Heating?
A heat pump is a great comfort system for our climate. We have hot summers, and when in cooling mode, a heat pump is as powerful as the best air conditioners. Plus, these systems have an energy-efficient heating mode that delivers comfort during our mild winters without causing a massive uptick in our electricity bills.
However, do you know what to do if your heat pump won’t switch to heating mode when you need it? If it’s either still sending out cool air or the air from the vents is room temperature, you have a comfort problem. In some situations, this will require calling for professional heating repair in Los Lunas, NM. Our experts are ready to get on the job and have your heat pump working the way it should again.
Why You May Have a “Stuck” Heat Pump
There are several possibilities for a heat pump that stays jammed in its cooling mode. We’ll start with the most common one, which is a broken reversing valve.
Reversing Valve
In most situations where a heat pump keeps sending out cooled air when it’s supposed to heat, the reversing valve is at fault.
The reversing valve is one of the essential parts of a heat pump that makes it different from an air conditioner. An air conditioner can only circulate refrigerant in one direction. As such, when refrigerant leaves the compressor, it goes first to the outdoor coil. A reversing valve allows the system to direct this refrigerant flow to the outdoor or indoor coil. This action is how the system switches between its modes.
As a result, the system will be trapped in one mode if the reversing valve breaks and becomes locked in one position. (Note that this can happen in both directions and leave the system stuck in heating mode.) HVAC technicians can solve this problem by replacing the reversing valve.
Thermostat Issues
Another, more direct cause for the heat pump staying in cooling mode is a malfunctioning thermostat. The thermostat has a connection specifically to the reversing valve to signal when to change between modes. If it loses this connection, you won’t be able to switch modes to heating. The thermostat may also sense incorrect temperatures, preventing the system from recognizing when to turn to heating mode.
Improper Temperatures
If your heat pump delivers lukewarm or room-temperature air, you could be looking at a different range of problems. First, we recommend checking the air filter to see if it’s clogged since this restricts the heat pump’s heating and cooling abilities. If you find that your filter is dirty and prevents proper airflow, it’s best to change it for a clean one.
Apart from dirty filters, if your system cannot meet your heating demands, it may have a separate, severe malfunction. These may result from leaking refrigerant, icing along the indoor coil, or dirt on the outdoor coil.
Let A Professional Deal With Your Heat Pump Issues
Don’t try to investigate the problem on your own (beyond checking the filter). Instead, call for technicians who can use their expertise to find out the source of any issues you’re experiencing. Technicians like Santa Fe Express Plumbing in New Mexico or our friends over at SWAN Plumbing, Heating, and Air Of Denver in Colorado. SWAN provides excellent Denver AC repair services, including the ones needed to deal with heat pump issues. Only experienced HVAC experts can diagnose what’s affecting the heat pump and have it fixed right.
Why wait for service when you can get it Express? Call Santa Fe Express Plumbing & Drain for your home heating needs.