Heat pumps make terrific comfort systems in Florida: they provide the necessary powerful air conditioning for the long, hot season, and then change over to working as an energy-efficient and safe alternative to a furnace during the short cold season.
We’re now into the season when air conditioners will come on and settle into their routine of keeping homes cool all the way until deep into the fall. Heat pumps will switch over to cooling mode, and probably remain there for months. But what if your heat pump appears trapped in heating mode? If you’ve switched the heat pump on the thermostat over to the cooling mode, but you’re still receiving warm air from the vents, call on repair technicians to look into the issue. Below are some of the possibilities:
- Faulty thermostat: Often the problem lies in the thermostat and its connection, not to anything wrong with the heat pump itself. If the thermostat loses its connection to the heat pump, it won’t be able to signal the reversing valve (see below) to make the change from one mode to another. In some cases, it’s better to simply have the thermostat replaced.
- Broken reversing valve: The reversing valve is the essential component of the heat pump for changing the system over from one mode to another. The mechanical valve can become stuck, however, and that will trap the system in whatever mode it’s currently operating in. Repair professionals will need to replace the reversing valve to restore operation.
- Refrigerant loss: In this case, the heat pump is switching modes. The problem is that loss of refrigerant due to leaks isn’t allowing the system to cool the air. This is major malfunction and could lead to serious damage to the compressor, so you must call for repairs right away.
Kool Breeze of Northwest Florida, Inc. is ready to help repair your air conditioning system in Pensacola Beach, FL. We offer 24-hour emergency service.