Why Is My Heat Pump Cooling When It’s in Heating Mode in Austin, TX?

When the heat pump in your Austin, TX, home operates in heating mode, it should deliver plentiful warm air. If yours isn’t doing that, something’s wrong. Here are some reasons why a heat pump might blow cool air in heating mode.

A Stuck Reversing Valve

When your HVAC system switches modes, it activates your reversing valve to help it do so. The reversing valve controls the direction in which refrigerant flows through the system.

When your reversing valve gets stuck, your HVAC system will stay in cooling mode instead of switching to heating mode. If your reversing valve fails, replacing it should restore your system’s functionality.

A Refrigerant Leak

Your heat pump depends on its refrigerant to collect heat outdoors to warm your home. When your system begins leaking refrigerant, it may struggle to deliver sufficient heat. The result may be lukewarm or cold air coming from your vents.

Refrigerant level checks are a key part of regular heat pump maintenance. If those levels fall too low, your system likely needs a repair to seal the leak causing the problem. In addition to cool air, you may also hear bubbling or hissing noises.

Your Heat Pump Is in Defrost Mode

When outside temperatures drop, the outdoor coils often develop frost. That can obstruct the system’s ability to collect heat for your home. These systems have a defrost mode that occasionally turns on to solve the problem.

Defrost mode involves your system temporarily entering cooling mode. That sends hot refrigerant outside to warm the outdoor coil. While that happens, you may feel some cold air from your vents.

Our locally owned and operated company offers 24/7 emergency service to keep you warm all winter. Call Del’s Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule a heat pump repair service today in Austin, TX.

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