A heat pump is arguably one of the best investments you can purchase to make your home more comfortable. This refrigerant-based system can work as a powerful cooling system in summer and an energy-efficient heater during winter. You do not need to invest in different heating and cooling systems because you have one unit taking care of your home’s cooling and heating needs all year.
Unfortunately, heat pumps can sometimes struggle to switch over from heating mode to cooling mode. If the heat pump isn’t doing half of the job that it is supposed to, your home can become quite uncomfortable. With hotter weather approaching, it’s a good time to address the problem before it worsens.
Below we’ll take a look at reasons your heat pump won’t switch out of heating mode. If you need to hire services for heat pump and AC repair in Shreveport, LA, contact us.
1. Thermostat Settings
The first thing you should check if the heat pump won’t switch out of heating mode is the thermostat setting. It seems like an obvious thing, but people tend to overlook the settings. There’s a chance that you haven’t adjusted the thermostat settings to switch it over to cooling mode. Make sure the thermostat settings are lower than the outdoor temperature and that it is not running in “fan-only” mode.
2. Malfunctioning Thermostat
If the thermostat settings are correct, there could be a problem with the thermostat itself. If the thermostat is malfunctioning, it might not be able to detect the indoor temperature properly, making the heat pump remain stuck in heating mode. Trying to turn the thermostat settings too low won’t solve the problem. It’s better to call a professional to take a look at the thermostat and repair it so that it can do its job without causing your heat pump to use too much power.
3. Clogged Air Filter
Do you remember the last time you changed the air filter in your heat pump? If you haven’t changed the air filter in a long time, the dirt and dust gathering on it all this time might have clogged the air filter. If the air from the vents is closer to room temperature instead of hot, it could be a problem with the air filter. All you need to do is replace the air filter with a clean one and this should do the trick.
4. Broken Reversing Valve
The most common reason for heat pumps to get stuck in heating mode is a broken reversing valve. The reversing valve is a critical component that differentiates a heat pump from an air conditioner. This valve controls the direction in which the refrigerant flows through the heat pump, affecting whether the unit is in heating or cooling mode.
The valve can malfunction, causing the heat pump to remain stuck in one of the two modes. There’s also a chance the connection of the thermostat to the reversing valve is broken, making the heat pump unresponsive to the changed settings. Unfortunately, reversing valve problems requires expert training and equipment. Call a professional to fix or replace the reversing valve.
If your heat pump is not switching to cooling mode and you cannot figure out what is causing the problem, we can help.
Moon’s Air has provided whole-home comfort since 1971. Call us for service today—it’s good to be Mooned!