Keeping comfortable in the home is one of the most important ways we work, rest and play – no matter what time of the year it is.
However, as the hotter seasons roll in, it’s good to know you can rely on your heat pump to keep you as cool in the summer, just as it warmed you all winter. Right?
If your heat pump doesn’t switch to cooling mode, you might feel a sense of panic as the thermometers climb in your neighborhood. However, there’s no need to fret – it’s all about finding out why your heat pump won’t switch over.
Having some knowledge of where the fault lies can help repairs go that much more smoothly. Here are a few quick things to check before you call out the professionals.
Thermostat Connectivity
Sometimes a heat pump doesn’t switch to cooling mode because the thermostat’s wiring or connection to the reversing pump is at fault.
Put simply, if the connection fails, the mechanism to switch modes on your heating pump simply cannot be instructed to make the changes you need.
Another related thermostat issue here is if the system is sensing temperatures inaccurately in your home. Wherever such a thermostat fault may lie, an experienced technician can recalibrate your thermostat to solve this problem.
Clogged Air Filter
You might feel cool air coming from your heat pump system, yet feel it’s only cool when compared to your heating – not actually cool enough to cool down your home. That’s a telltale sign of a clogged air filter, or perhaps even a short-cycling fault – meaning the cooling cycle simply isn’t running for long enough. If this issue persists, it’s crucial to address it early, as short-cycling can also signal broader HVAC problems. You can read more about how to detect if your heating system needs repair to stay ahead of potential faults.
Replacing the air filter often solves this problem, and it’s something a trained technician can easily and quickly take care of for you, however, you should be doing it more often that this… every 1-3 months. It’s best to nip this kind of problem in the bud as fast as you can – unfortunately, this is the kind of issue that can deteriorate fast if left alone.
Broken reversing valve
One of the most crucial components in your heat pump system in the home is the reversing valve. This vital mechanism controls the direction the refrigerant circulates in your system – in essence, it’s the lifeblood of how the change between hot and cold air moving through your home is able to function.
The actual fault that arises is a relatively simple one, despite how worrying its effects on the home can be. The reversing valve mechanism is one of the most crucial components in your heat pump. This vital component controls the direction of refrigerant flow, determining whether your system provides heating or cooling. If your heat pump’s reversing valve becomes stuck, your system won’t switch modes properly. For long-term efficiency, scheduling regular maintenance can help detect these issues early. Take a look at how an end-of-summer AC maintenance can prevent these kinds of malfunctions.
Either way, a damaged reversing valve will need to be replaced, but luckily this is something a trained professional can do quickly. Ensuring that your heat pump runs efficiently year-round requires proper installation and upkeep. If you’re considering a heat pump for your home, see whether replacing your furnace with a heat pump might be the right move for you.
For professional air conditioning and heater repair in Katy, TX, look no further than Cool Care Heating and Air Conditioning. Contact us today and get “The Best Care for Your Air!”