Heat pumps are highly valued for their ability to act as both heating and air conditioning systems. In fact, it’s one of the main reasons that homeowners install them in the first place. But, being able to do that means the system is more complicated, which means there are more ways for things to go wrong. If your heat pump seems to be stuck in air conditioning mode, or doesn’t put out as much heat as it should, you may have one of the following problems.
Refrigerant Leak
A heat pump doesn’t burn fuel to generate heat. Instead, it evaporates and condenses refrigerant to move heat from one place to another. When in heating mode, the heat pump evaporates refrigerant to absorb thermal energy from the surrounding air. It then sends the refrigerant gas inside to be condensed, releasing heat into the home. The refrigerant is the lifeblood of the system, without which it can’t operate. If your heat pump output is dropping, it’s possible that you have a refrigerant leak in your system. Call for repairs immediately if you notice this, or if you see liquid dripping from your heat pump.
Reversing Valve Issues
The reason that a heat pump can offer both heating and cooling modes is that it contains a part called the reversing valve. This valve reverses the direction that refrigerant flows through the system, which changes where heat is absorbed from and where it is directed to. If the valve breaks for whatever reason, the heat pump can become stuck in one mode. If your heat pump seems to be stuck in air conditioning mode, this might be why. You’ll need a professional to examine the system to make sure.
Call Saddleback Plumbing if you need heat pump repair services. We offer a full range of heat pump repair services throughout Trabuco Canyon, CA.