Perhaps you’ve switched on your heat pump for the first time this spring in cooling mode and warm air still blows out. Assuming that someone didn’t bump the thermostat to heating mode, this reflects a problem that could be minor or serious. Here are four possible reasons for a heat pump heating while in cooling mode in Merced, CA:
Bad Reversing Valve
You switch the heat pump between heating and cooling modes via the reversing valve; this valve reverses the flow of refrigerant. The valve can become stuck, or the solenoid coil inside of it can become defective.
Clogged Air Filter
Replacing your air filter only once or twice a year during professional maintenance isn’t enough. You need a new filter at least every three months; otherwise, the debris caught inside it will constrict airflow and prevent the removal of heat. That means warmer air, which may make you think the system is still running in heating mode.
Dirt and Debris in the Outdoor Unit
Another problem that leads to the same practical results is dirt and debris in the compressor, the outside unit of the heat pump. In the compressor lies the condenser coil, which allows the refrigerant to release heat. If dirt and grime prevent this release, the heat goes right back into your home.
Low Refrigerant Levels
The refrigerant itself, which is the chemical that transfers the heat, may fail to deliver cool air because the charge is insufficient. This usually occurs because of a leak in the refrigerant line, an issue that can harm your health and the environment.
At CEN-CAL AIR Heating and Cooling, we can perform AC repairs both simple and complex. We also respond to emergency calls any time, so contact us at your earliest convenience. You’ll love working with our NATE-certified service technicians, who are familiar with all heat pump makes and models.
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