Why Is My Heat Pump Blowing Cool Air in Heating Mode?

Like many homeowners in Palm Bay, FL, and beyond, you may have purchased a heat pump because you want something that can function as both a heating and an air conditioning system. It can, therefore, be strange to have your heat pump blow cold air while supposedly in heating mode. Below, we discuss some heat pump issues that could cause your system to blow cool air while it’s in heating mode.

Reversing Valve Issues

The reversing valve controls which way refrigerant moves through your heat pump. By figuring out whether refrigerant deposits heat in or out of your home upon condensation, it determines whether the system is ultimately in heating or cooling mode. If your heat pump is in heating mode and produces cold air, your immediate reaction should be to suspect mechanical problems with this all-important component.

Dirty Outdoor Coils

When in heating mode, your heat pump’s refrigerant should go to its outdoor evaporator coils and absorb heat from the outside air. If the coils are unclean, however, little of their surface area may make contact with the air, resulting in little heat absorption. Eventually, this can lead to relatively cool air moving into your home.

The solution to this problem is to have HVAC technicians carefully clean your coils. They will typically do this as part of periodic maintenance services.

Dirty Air Filters

Dirty air filters may sometimes block airflow to such an extent that your heat pump may overheat and shut down. If that happens, the system will be unable to generate any more warm air for a while. Then only relatively cold air will come from the system.

To prevent this, you must not allow too much debris to accumulate on your air filters. We strongly recommend cleaning or replacing them about once every three months.

To stay comfortable this winter, you’ll need to restore your heat pump to its normal functioning. Call Anna’s Air, Heat and Plumbing today and sign up for the best heat pump services around Palm Bay, FL.

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