What is a heat pump reversing valve and how does it work?

The heat pump reversing valve allows an air system to function as a heating and cooling unit.

In this way, it maintains a warm environment during the winter season, but cool when summer approaches.

To learn more about how to check a reversing valve on a heat pump, the cost to replace reversing valve on heat pump and know where is reversing valve on heat pump, we invite you to continue reading this post, and you will know this and much more.

What is heat pump reversing valve?

The reversing valve heat pump is a component of the reversing valve on heat pump which differs from a standard air conditioner.

It can be said that the reversing valve is responsible for changing the direction of the refrigerant flows and, it should be noted, that these come with an outdoor coil which is a safety mode.

A carrier heat pump reversing valve has the ability to bring heat from indoors to outdoors on hotter days or bring heat from outdoors to indoors on cooler days, all thanks to the heat pump reversing valve diagram.

Some models are equipped with a blower motor to help save energy.

Reversing valve heat pump diagram

Below is a reversing valve heat pump diagram that explains how your system works and converts from heating mode to cooling or vice versa:

Reversing valve heat pump diagram copia

Parts of a heat pump reversing valve

The parts that make up a pumps reversing valve are:

  • Electromagnetic solenoid valve: allows to change the air flow. The solenoid is connected to the thermostat and it is the one that guarantees the achievement of an appropriate temperature.
  • Redirect circulation: the solenoid, which is connected to the pilot valve, directs the flow and creates a high pressure in the reversing valve for heat pump. This pressure helps to switch from cooling mode to heating mode.
  • Discharge and suction lines: the heat pump bad reversing valve symptoms has two sets of ports, one for suction and one for discharge line. Its suction body is equipped with the poppet valve and the discharge port with the piston valve.

What does the reversing valve do on a heat pump?

The heat pump reversing valve replacement is responsible for changing the refrigerant path between the coils, both inside and outside.

This will cause the two to exchange condenser and evaporator functions. When refrigerant is moved to the indoor coils first, the pump is in heating mode.

How does a heat pump reversing valve work?

The valve works by altering the direction of coolant flow through an electric magnet, which is an electromechanical device in the valve that is energized when electrocuted.

The valve opens when energized, allowing refrigerant to pass through, leading to the heat pump reversing cooling mode.

In order to change the cooling mode, the valve needs a pressure differential of 30 – 70 pounds.

When the valve is deactivated, it closes and blocks the refrigerant flow, so the pump would be in the heating mode.

It is composed of four capillary tubes, called four-way valves, there is also an electric magnet, a slider, an electric coil, a spring and a block that are installed in the reversing valve.

Four-way valves are also used in the defrost cycle to send hot gas to the chilled evaporators and in the air handler.

Where is the reversing valve on a heat pump located?

It is easy to know where is the reversing valve on a heat pump, as it is located near the compressor and the inlet of the outdoor coil.

If you are hesitant to get yours, look for the company’s procedure manual and the specific process involving the valve.

There you will be able to identify your place among all the teams.

How do I know if my heat pump reversing valve is bad?

Several signals may be present when the valve is damaged, for example, it may be present in the heat pump reversing valve noise, which will be a clear sign. The different problems that usually arise are:

  • Thermostat problems: this is detected when there is no heat in the room. The reason is that there may be a faulty wire that prevents the heat pump reversing valve replacement cost from working properly.
  • Broken valve: when the system cannot switch from heating to cooling mode, it means that the reversing valve is broken.
  • Leaky valve: if there is a leak in the compressor, loud noises can be perceived, this means that refrigerant is being lost in the valve.

Other problems that occur when the valve is faulty are:

  • Outdoor unit locked.
  • The indoor air fan blade is not working properly.
  • Heat pump operating continuously without rest in moderate climatic conditions.

How to unstick a reversing valve on a heat pump?

Occasionally, we may find that the heat pump reversing valve is stuck, because it does not change its cooling or heating mode.

If you don’t know how to unstick a reversing valve on a heat pump, just find a stiff but soft object, such as a screwdriver handle, and try tapping both sides of the valve body in order to free it.

In case this does not work for you, you should call a hvac technician to perform the necessary inspections on the heat pump.

How much does it cost to replace a reversing valve on a heat pump?

If the heat pump is blowing cold air, it means the valve needs to be replaced. This has a value of $200 to $700.

Buy industrial heat pump reversing valve

This type of valve is widely used in large industries for its wide variety of applications, including water, railway, oil and gas, and many others.

If you want to buy heat pump reversing valve I can do it with IndusCo, we are a company that specializes in the distribution of valves and pumps.

We have become a favorite because all of our products are quality products, so they last for many years.

In addition, we guarantee the safety of each one, with a wide range of products for you to choose the one that best suits your needs.

Warehouse, IndusCo United States

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