A heat pump is a major part of your heating and cooling system. They’re typically very reliable and can cut your energy bills significantly.
However, like any heating and cooling system, they can experience problems. When these happen, you need a professional to provide heat pump repair services for your device. This will involve diagnosing the issue and providing the necessary repairs.
Reversing Valve
The reversing valve is the part of your heat pump that allows it to operate as both a heater and air conditioner; when this component malfunctions, your system may not be delivering the right amount of heat or cooling.
A reversing valve operates with the help of an electromagnetic solenoid that energizes the slide inside it. When the solenoid is energized, it slides over a pilot valve that acts as a small reversing valve and redirects the flow of refrigerant in the system, which creates a pressure differential on one side of the valve, which forces it over to operate in cooling mode.
When your thermostat tells the reversing valve to switch modes, it sends a signal to the solenoid. The solenoid then sends a signal to the slide, which moves back and forth until it aligns with the coils on the outside of your home. You can click here for more information about the solenoid.
While most heat pumps work in heating mode by default, there are some manufacturers that use the reversing valve to allow your system to deliver both heating and cooling when needed. If your heat pump is delivering only warm air, this likely means the reversing valve needs to be replaced or repaired.
The reversing valve is a common component in both air-source and geothermal heat pumps. The suction and discharge lines in these systems go to the reversing valve and are designed to send refrigerant back to and from the compressor.
When you turn on your thermostat, it sends a signal to the reversing valve to change from heating to cooling. The solenoid then sends energized signals to the slide, which changes how it aligns with the coils on the outdoor unit.
Electrical Failure
An electrical failure is one of the most common issues that homeowners face with heat pumps. Depending on the extent of the issue, it can be easy to resolve on your own or require a professional HVAC technician to get fixed.
If your electric bill is high, it might be because the unit is cycling on and off more frequently than normal, which uses energy faster than usual. Read here why it is directly affecting your electric bills https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/7-signs-your-hvac-system-is-wasting-energy-and-what-to-do-about-it-51283
This can increase your electric bill and reduce your efficiency. It might also be a sign that your air filter is dirty or that the refrigerant in your heat pump has been damaged. An expert can determine the source of your issues.
Ductwork Issues
Your home’s ductwork is not something that you often think about, but it can be the cause of a lot of issues with your heating and cooling system; if you have a problem with your ducts, it can affect everything from the air quality to your energy bills.
The ductwork in your home is what moves the conditioned air from your heat pump to each and every room in your house. It’s also what removes the stale, contaminated air from your home.
When a problem arises with your ductwork, it can make a huge impact on the efficiency of your heat pump. This is why it’s important to take care of the ductwork in your home and keep it in good condition.
It’s not uncommon for ducts to clog with dust, pet dander, pollen, mold spores, and other debris that can be harmful to your health. Dirty ducts can also reduce the efficiency of your system, which means that you’ll have to run it more often than you need to in order to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home.
In addition to reducing the efficiency of your heat pump, duct leaks can increase your energy costs significantly. Duct leaks can also prevent your blower fan from fully circulating air throughout your entire system. This can result in your heating and air conditioning equipment having to work harder than it should, which can lead to higher maintenance and repair costs.
Ductwork needs to be sized and installed correctly to ensure that it provides adequate airflow and distributes the conditioned air evenly throughout your home. Improper sizing can lead to unbalanced temperatures, uneven heating and cooling, and poor indoor air quality.
An issue with any of these components can compromise the integrity of your device. If you suspect your heat pump has ductwork issues, a faulty reversing valve, or signs of an electrical failure, you should contact a professional for more assistance.
