If you’ve got a heat pump, you probably already know that there are a lot more similarities than differences between heat pumps and air conditioners. But what exactly are the differences? And do they affect the needs the heat pump has? What should you know about heat pump maintenance and heat pump repair in Plainfield, IL? How does that differ from an air conditioner’s needs? We’ve got the answers for you.
How the Refrigerant Flows
Both heat pumps and air conditioners function by moving heat from one place to another, and they do this with a chemical called refrigerant. It’s got extremely high thermal conductivity, which means that it heats up or cools down very easily. So it will soak up lots of heat from one place and then, as it flows through the coils to the rest of the system, release it somewhere else.
In order for this to happen, it needs coils to flow through, a compressor to keep it pressurized, and a blower fan (with motor) to get the cooled (or heated) air moving through the ductwork and out the vents. Both heat pumps and air conditioners have all of these components.
The big difference is that a heat pump’s refrigerant flow is reversible. It can carry heat in either direction by having the refrigerant change which way it is flowing. This is accomplished with a component called the reversing valve, which is something air conditioners do not have. And there are times when something goes wrong with this valve, causing a need for a repair an air conditioner would never require.
Reversing Valve Repair
The reversing valve exposes or covers certain openings, forcing the refrigerant to follow a certain path. This is done with a sliding piece, and the movement is triggered by a type of electromagnet called a solenoid. It may end up stuck in the heating position, which is the neutral or inactive position that it is in when the solenoid isn’t providing an electrical charge.
There are three things that could be responsible here. The thermostat might not be sending the correct signal, which would tell the valve to switch. The wiring may have come loose between the thermostat and the solenoid somewhere. Or the solenoid itself may simply need to be replaced. Any of these are pretty straightforward fixes, so don’t hesitate to get a repair if you have this problem.
Heat Pump Maintenance Needs
The maintenance process is much the same for a heat pump as for an air conditioner. All components are thoroughly cleaned and meticulously inspected. Testing is done to ensure the electrical components are working properly. And lubricant is applied to the places where moving parts rub together.
However, your heat pump does a lot more work than an air conditioner. Because it heats as well as cools, it spends a lot more of the year accumulating wear and tear. Just as you should have AC maintenance in the spring and heating maintenance in the fall, you should have heat pump maintenance at both these times, twice a year, because this system is doing both jobs.
Have you had your heat pump maintenance yet this fall? Don’t delay! Schedule that today.
Call J&A today, Sleep-tight tonight!