Mode change malfunction happens from time to time with heat pumps. This may be something harmless and simple to repair, so don’t panic. Let’s explore heat pumps and figure out what this problem could be caused by so you know whether or not you need heat pump service in Newtown Square, PA.
Refrigerant Leak
There’s a leak somewhere in your heat pump that’s causing refrigerant to slowly trickle out. Because the valve simply changes the flow of refrigerant, if it detects that there isn’t enough, it could have a hard time switching. Even if your valve is functioning properly, your low level of refrigerant is causing a problem.
These leaks can be dangerous and cause damage to your unit if left unchecked. This is not a DIY fix: you need a heat pump technician to fix the leak, top off your refrigerant, and ensure there are no additional heat pump problems.
Stuck Valve
Inside of your heat pump there’s a small mechanism that changes the flow of refrigerant. If it’s not a leak like we discussed earlier, the valve could simply be stuck. Your valve can either get stuck in one mode, or between two modes, making it appear that your heat pump is completely broken. Stuck valves can happen even with proper maintenance scheduling.
Clogged Air FIlters
Clogged air filters are the root cause of many issues with HVAC systems in general. Your filter should be changed every 30 to 90 days. If you don’t know when your last air filter replacement was, it’s a good idea to put a new one in. If your filters are clogged and not allowing enough air to pass through your heat pump, you may experience lukewarm air coming from your vents instead.
Miscalibrated Thermostat
You set your thermostat to the right setting, but the temperature not coming out the way you wanted it to. Your thermostat could simply need to be calibrated. Right now your room thinks the temperature is different than it actually is, but a heat pump specialist can recalibrate your thermostat and help it read the right room temperature moving forward.
Solenoid Malfunction
There’s a sliding mechanism between each point of your heat pump. One for hot, one for cold. When you turn your heat pump to heating mode, the solenoid pushes that mechanism in either direction based on what you chose.
Solenoids aren’t perfect, and sometimes the wiring inside of them fails. Replacing one of these is a best-case scenario compared to what could be wrong with your heat pump. When a solenoid fails, your heat pump doesn’t understand that it’s supposed to switch modes.
Heat Pump Harmony
No matter what the issue is, we know how to find it and solve the problem at its root. Your heat pump is an all-in-one heating and cooling solution that runs into unique problems. Let us sort them out for you so you can get back to enjoying your comfortable living space.
Contact us today to take care of your heat pump and get it back in working order. Your home comfort depends on it.