Reversing valve: What it does and its most common problems

Currently, a heat pump reversing valve is used for its ability to reverse the direction of the flow of refrigerant and because it ensures good fluid handling in the refrigeration industry and others.

In addition, this type of valve uses a single vapor compression system to supply cooling and heating.

The coolant will be pumped to the outdoor heat transfer coil which provides cooling and rejects heat.

Undoubtedly, they are efficient fluid control elements worth having in any industry.

In this article we will tell you all about the ac reversing valve, such as what they are, how to unstick a reversing valve, the types that exist and when you should use them.

What is a reversing valve?

The reversing valve or reversing valve solenoid is a very important element within the heat pump systems that allows the heat pump to act as an air conditioner and as a heating system.

It is located along the pipes connecting the main operating components of that heat pump, helping to direct the flow of refrigerant through those pipes.

The reversing valve heat pump eliminates the need for separate cooling and heating systems, which generally results in higher efficiency, lower costs and maintenance.

The following is an introduction to the reversing valve diagram to show you how it is distributed and how it works.

What is a reversing valve

How does a reversing valve work?

The operation of the heat pump reversing valve noise consists of a cylinder moving between the three pipe openings and the central pipe, which is a suction connection to the compressor.

The outer tubes are connected to the outer and inner coils.

On the opposite side of the cylinder is a single pipe, which is the compressor discharge connection.

Attached to the solenoid coil is the small cylinder and pilot valve. Its purpose is to relieve the pressure that can be created in the coolant and at the ends of the cylinder causing the piston movement.

As for the defrost cycle, the pump operates in reverse. The defrost control tells the valve when to send hot refrigerant to the outside in order to defrost the coil.

When the pump switches, it prevents the fan blade from turning on and accelerating the temperature rise.

Types of reversing valves

The reversing valve on heat pump is available in different types, each having its own function and characteristics. Let’s see the classification below:

Swing Check Valves

It operates in response to a current flow of a certain fluid, which opens a tilting disc and is placed in a vertical discharge line.

As the flow stream slows and returns, the disc may respond with a rocking motion to its closed position. When this valve is defective it creates loud noises, similar to a hammering or knocking sound.

Swing Check Valves

Gate Valve

They are used for all types of applications and they are installed both subway and outdoor. The operation of this valve consists of a rotary movement of the stem to open or close.

When minimum head loss and full flow is required, the gate valve is used.

As it is a multi-turn valve, it is operated through a threaded stem.

Gate Valve

Lift Check Valves

It is used to prevent the fluid from going backwards. When the flow tries to go backwards, the valve is blocked.

It is designed so that the disc is precisely guided for a close-contact sliding fit and with a long, centered shock absorber.

On the other hand, Lift Check Valves should be installed in a vertical orientation.

Lift Check Valves

Butterfly Check Valves

Another type of pump reversing valve is the butterfly valve. Its function in the process is to regulate or interrupt the flow of a fluid inside a conduit, reducing or increasing the passage section through a plate called butterfly.

Ball Valves

Also known as shut-off valve, this valve cuts off or completely opens the fluid flow. Its regulation is originated by a lever and a simple quarter turn movement.

Unlike other types of gate valves, this one has a high pressure design and is far superior, and they last longer working at high demands, producing fewer problems and reducing operating costs.

Plug Valves

It is cone or cylinder shaped and rotates inside the valve body in order to control the flow of the material being pumped.

Also, it has one or more hollow passageways that are placed horizontally to allow easy flow through the valve when opened.

Diaphragm Valve

It is used to control the flow of viscous liquids or liquids with suspended solid particles in their composition.

They operate in open or closed mode and, at the same time, have the service of conduction throttling.

Ball Valves

It is used to prevent or allow the passage of fluid in the pipes of a machine or industrial installation.

These exist in different sizes and work with various pressures. They must be selected with great care and taking into account the type of fluid and its temperature, number of ways, ambient temperature, type of actuation, among others.

When to use reversing valves?

Heat pump reversing valves are used when it is necessary to change the direction of operation or to reverse its fluid flow to achieve the desired effect, which is that the lower unit heats up and the outdoor unit cools down.

The 4-way are used to switch from cooling mode in summer to heating mode in winter time.

The most common problems with reversing valves

The reversing valve for heat pump may be damaged. In some cases it must be replaced, but in others it is likely to be repairable.

It is important to be aware of its signals and to know how to unstick a reversing valve on a heat pump to get it working again.

The most common problems with reversing valves are:

  • Stuck valve: it is produced by dirt in some part of the valve, also by oxidation or holes.
  • Faulty coil: when the reversing valve energized in heat or cool stops energizing it means that the indoor coil is not working.
  • Leaky valve: the refrigerant leak is detected by the compressor noise and verified by the heating mode, i.e. by the temperature.

Where to buy reversing valves in the United States?

In IndusCo you can buy industrial reversing valve and all the types that exist at the best price in the market, original and with guarantees that a traditional hardware store can not give you.

We have very affordable prices because we are distributors of pumps and valves, covering different global markets.

All products are manufactured with the highest quality and last for a long time, that is why we are the leaders in the industrial sector.

Thanks to our more than 5 years of experience, we can advise you on what you need so that you can buy the right valve.

Warehouse, IndusCo United States

Request a quotation of your product

Looking for a specific product? Contact us and we will help you. We have a wide range of products and above all with excellent prices.

+ Articles of interest

+ Products of interest

We advise global leaders on their most critical issues and opportunities.

Complete the form and download the complete product catalog.