How do I know if my reversing valve is bad?

What is the most common problem with reversing valves?

One of the most common problems that can develop with a reversing valve is that is can get stuck. It may become stuck in a specific mode or in between modes.

What happens when reversing valve goes bad?

Both a leaking reversing valve and a failing compressor have the same symptoms – both the heating and cooling capacity of the system are diminished. This is because the compressor continues to pump the gas around and around inside the leaking valve and usable refrigeration is lost in the process.

How much does it cost to fix a reversing valve?

Pump Circulates Cool air

If your heat pump is blowing cool air, you need to get your reversing valve replaced. Expect to pay between $450 and $600 to get a malfunctioning reversing valve replaced.

What does a bad reversing valve sound like?

Sometimes customers complain of a "buzzing" noise coming from the outdoor unit, even when it's not running. This is usually caused by the reversing valve solenoid coil. It's usually a low voltage device (24 volts) and some are just louder than others - and in most cases, this is normal.

Diagnosing the stuck HVAC reversing valve

What are the symptoms of a bad reversing valve for heat pump?

What controls the reversing valve on a heat pump?

A reversing valve operates by a pressure difference inside a metal tube, controlled by a solenoid. The pressure change moves a slider through the tube, and this slide straddles two of three tube openings.

How many ohms should a reversing valve be?

Diagnosing Stuck Reversing Valves

If you don't feel any pull, you'll want to make sure the solenoid resistance is around 10 to 60 Ohms. A solenoid that receives no power or whose resistance is out of range should be replaced.

Why do reversing valves stick?

The most common reason for a reversing valve getting stuck is due to a bad solenoid. The solenoid is responsible for switching the process from heating to cooling and vice versa. A broken solenoid is not going to be able to switch from one mode to the other, essentially causing your reversing valve to get stuck.

Why is my heat pump blowing cold air?

Your Heat Pump May Be In Defrost Mode

As heat is released through the outdoor unit, it melts ice formations that would have been difficult or damaging to remove manually. Defrost mode is essentially the same as cooling mode, therefore it is likely your heat pump will blow cool air while in this mode.

Why does my heat pump make a whooshing sound?

The whooshing sound is that valve reversing to defrost the heat exchanger, which essentially means entering cooling mode temporarily. The refrigerant will run backwards in this mode, so the heat pump will essentially be pulling the hot air out of your home.

Why is my outside unit so loud?

A persistent buzzing noise coming from your outdoor unit is often a sign of an electrical problem with your AC system. It is best to turn off the system to prevent damage or even a fire if electrical connections are loose or old and are arcing. The unit will require an HVAC repair.

Why is my heating unit humming?

The blower motor – This is the most common source of humming and buzzing noises in a furnace. It may simply be that the motor doesn't have enough lubrication, but it can also mean that a motor failure is imminent. If you notice the hum when the motor is slowing down, that can indicate an amperage problem in the motor.

How often do heat pumps need to be recharged?

With regular maintenance, your heat pump should operate efficiently for 10 to 20 years. The refrigerant in your unit should not need to be charged or “topped off” unless a leak is detected. Heat pump maintenance should be performed twice a year: in the spring and fall.

Does a heat pump need servicing?

A heat pump uses refrigerant to transfer heat from the ground or air to your home. This needs to be checked in line with manufacturers service instructions. It is also recommended that your heat pump is serviced to ensure that it's running efficiently and to improve its lifespan.

How long does a heat pump compressor last?

How Long Should the Heat Pump Compressor Last? Compressors are very reliable, especially in today's modern heat pump systems. Most of them last anywhere from 12 to 15-plus years.

Why is my heat pump not cooling?

Make sure the air filter is clean. If your heat pump is blowing cold air at a low volume and your home is taking a long time to cool, your refrigerant charge may be off. Or the coils in your evaporator may need to be cleaned. Both issues can be solved with a yearly tune up of your heat pump.