Heat pumps are a great option for Texas homeowners because they heat and cool your home, all from one unit. Typically, switching your heat pump from heating to cooling mode (and vice versa) is as simple as flipping a switch on your thermostat, but occasionally, heat pumps struggle to switch modes.
Your heat pump might not switch from heating to cooling if your:
- Air filter is clogged
- Outdoor unit is blocked by debris
- Circuit breaker has tripped
- Reversing valve is broken
- Thermostat is malfunctioning
Some of these issues are easy to fix, but others require the help of a professional. If your heat pump is stuck in heating mode, keep reading to pinpoint the problem and find a solution.
When you need a heat pump repair fast, call Reliable Air at (512) 580-8837. We offer same-day appointments and 2-hour service windows to suit your schedule, so you’ll get convenient heat pump service without waiting at home all day. Schedule your repair today!
Air Filter Is Clogged
When your heat pump is turned on, it will draw in air that goes through an air filter. If your air filter is clogged with dirt, hair, or other debris, your heat pump won’t work properly.
When your heat pump can’t draw in enough air, it can’t adequately cool your home. If your heat pump is running in cooling mode, but your home doesn’t seem to be getting any more comfortable, this might be the problem.
Energy Star recommends changing your air filter at least every 3 months and more frequently if it looks dirty. Besides helping your heat pump work properly, switching out your air filter helps keep your heat pump running efficiently (saving you money!) and reduces the amount of dust in your home.
Circuit Breaker Has Tripped
If your heat pump’s circuit breaker has tripped since you last used it, it won’t switch from heating to cooling mode (or even turn on!). When you turn on your thermostat, is the heat pump powering up, or are the fans turning on? Your circuit breaker may have tripped.
Your heat pump might trip your circuit breaker due to a malfunctioning compressor or faulty wiring, but something as simple as clogged air filters can also cause your circuit breaker to trip. That’s because clogged air filters make your heat pump have to work harder to do its job, requiring more energy from your circuit breaker.
To check, go to your circuit board and flip the switch for your heat pump. In most cases, this will solve the problem. If it doesn’t, or if your heat pump trips again shortly after, it’s a good idea to call a licensed HVAC technician or electrician.
Reversing Valve Is Broken
The reversing valve is the heat pump component that physically switches your heat pump from heating to cooling mode. If it’s stuck or broken, you won’t be able to switch from one mode to the other.
Reversing valves change the direction that refrigerant travels in your heat pump. Refrigerant is the liquid that absorbs and transfers heat. When your heat pump is in heating mode, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the outdoors and transfers it inside. When your heat pump is in cooling mode, the refrigerant absorbs heat from inside and transfers it outdoors.
Reversing valve repairs or replacements should be handled by a professional HVAC technician. Luckily, this is a very simple repair, and once your reversing valve is replaced, your heat pump should work normally.
Reversing Valve Is Broken
The reversing valve is the heat pump component that physically switches your heat pump from heating to cooling mode. If it’s stuck or broken, you won’t be able to switch from one mode to the other.
Reversing valves change the direction that refrigerant travels in your heat pump. Refrigerant is the liquid that absorbs and transfers heat. When your heat pump is in heating mode, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the outdoors and transfers it inside. When your heat pump is in cooling mode, the refrigerant absorbs heat from inside and transfers it outdoors.
Reversing valve repairs or replacements should be handled by a professional HVAC technician. Luckily, this is a very simple repair, and once your reversing valve is replaced, your heat pump should work normally.
Thermostat Is Malfunctioning
If you’ve checked everything else and your heat pump still isn’t switching to cooling mode, you might have a broken or malfunctioning thermostat.
If your thermostat isn’t lighting up when you try to use it, there’s probably something wrong with it. Try replacing the thermostat batteries first since these can become drained over time. Turn off the circuit supplying electricity to your thermostat and check it for loose or frayed wires.
While thermostat repairs are annoying, they’re nothing a professional HVAC technician can’t handle. If you think you have a malfunctioning thermostat, you should have your heat pump system looked over by a professional.
Need a Reliable Heat Pump Repair in San Marcos? Contact Reliable Air.
We understand how important it is to keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long. That’s why we offer same-day appointments and keep our techs on standby after hours, so we can take care of your heat pump repair no matter when a breakdown happens.
Unlike companies that cut corners to save money, we know real value comes from serving our customers and our community well. We’re not afraid to offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not happy with our work, we’ll make it right— no matter what. When you need heat pump help, call Reliable Air at (512) 580-8837 or schedule service online.