Why Won’t My Heat Pump Switch Modes?

Heat pumps can heat and cool your home, making them a very versatile unit that keeps you and your family comfortable in all kinds of weather conditions. But what happens when your heat pump won’t switch modes? Is it broken? Does it need repairing? 

We will explore some of the reasons why your heat pump may not be switching modes and provide some solutions to get it up and running again.

Check for Basic Solutions First.

No need to panic right away and call a technician. Your problem may be one that can be solved with a few simple checks.

1. Confirm that the switch on the heat pump is in the “on” position. This sounds straightforward, but in the panic, some forget this.

1. Check if the air filter is dirty and needs to be replaced. Generally, filters need to be replaced every ninety days. This keeps everything working properly and keeps your energy bills low.

1. Make sure the thermostat is set to “cool” mode. 

1. See if any obstacles are blocking the airflow to or from the heat pump unit. This could include leaves, vegetation, or other debris. Turn the power to the unit off, clear the area outside around the condenser, and remove any debris.

1. Remember, if it’s a scorching day, your home might not be able to cool down as quickly as you’d like – give it some time.

What if My Heat Pump Still Won’t Switch Modes?

If you’ve gone through the basic troubleshooting steps and your unit still won’t switch modes. This could indicate a larger problem.  

• The most likely reason is a stuck reversing valve. The reversing valve has a mechanism inside it that slides back and forth, turning the refrigerant flow on or off. Sometimes these valves can get stuck at either specific modes or between them – preventing you from changing which mode your home requires when needed.

• You may have problems with your solenoid inside the reversing valve. The solenoid is a small electronic component that provides the initial push necessary for the reversing valve to move. If your solenoid fails, it won’t be possible to switch modes.

• Your thermostat may be malfunctioning. Thermostat problems are often at the root of issues with heat pumps, and if your thermostat loses connection to the reversing valve, your heat pump will stay stuck in one mode.

• You may have a refrigerant leak. If your heat pump is low on refrigerant, it will fail to meet the demand of your heat pump and this probably indicates a refrigerant leak.

If your heat pump is not switching modes, you can troubleshoot the issue as soon as possible. There are a few things you can do yourself before contacting an HVAC expert, but if those steps don’t work or you’re uncomfortable trying them, contact professionals who can help diagnose and fix the problem with your heat pump to ensure you stay warm in winter and cool in summer. Contact your HVAC and plumbing experts at Rentmeister Total Home Service today for quality HVAC services in Layton, UT, and beyond.