skip to Main Content

Why Won’t My Heat Pump Switch to Cooling Mode?

Half Sun Half Snowflake imageHeat pumps are one of the most energy-efficient choices for both cooling and heating your home. We don’t use our heaters too much during the winter—particularly in comparison to other parts of the country. So in order to save money, it makes sense to have a year-round HVAC system.

But what if your heat pump won’t switch to cooling mode once you need it? Fortunately, you have our team to call for prompt Marietta, GA heat pump services. In the meantime though, keep reading for an explanation as to why this may be occurring.

Refrigerant Flow

When your heat pump system is in heating mode, refrigerant circulates through the inside and outside components of the system. It absorbs heat from the outside air and moves it indoors. When it’s supposed to switch back into cooling mode, ideally a reversing valve will activate in order to help refrigerant flow in the opposite direction.

Check valves are responsible for helping the refrigerant to avoid some portions it must pass through in heating mode, and vice-versa in cooling mode.

So when your heat pump will not shift into a cooling mode (or heating mode) there are three components that may be to blame.

  • Sliding Cylinder: This component is supposed to kick in to change the flow of refrigerant once you switch your system into a different mode. While the reversing valve is the component responsible for allowing the refrigerant in the heat pump to reverse into a heating mode and back into cooling mode again, the sliding cylinder within is vital to the process.
  • Check Valves: The check valve is meant to automatically prevent backflow (reverse flow) when fluid in the line reverses direction. They are self-automated but can get stuck, thus preventing your heat pump from effectively switching to cooling mode.
  • Thermostat: Last, but certainly not least, the problem with your heat pump may not be an operational issue at all, but rather a faulty thermostat wiring or problems with the programming of the thermostat. Be sure to check with our professionals to discover the root cause of the issues.

Beware Refrigerant Leaks

What if your heat pump has switched to cooling mode, however, the air coming into your living space feels lukewarm? If your heat pump is struggling to provide your home with cool air, then it may be a refrigerant leak you are dealing with.

Many homeowners mistakenly assume that heat pumps naturally lose refrigerant over time. But refrigerant is not meant to dissipate. In fact, your heat pump is supplied with enough refrigerant upon installation that it should ideally last the entire lifecycle of the system.

If your system is losing refrigerant, it means that there is a leak. This can be very damaging to your heat pump system and much be repaired right away. It’s not enough to simply refill—recharge—the refrigerant and call it a day. Our professionals must detect exactly where the leak is coming from and fix it so you aren’t facing the same problem later on.

Contact Premier Indoor Comfort Systems LLC 7 days a week, for a personalized response for your needs. If we don’t have the answer we will find it for you!