Switching Your Heat Pump to Heat and Cool

One of the best reasons to install a heat pump in your home is that it has the ability to both heat and cool without the need for investing in separate pieces of equipment.

A heat pump works by transferring heat from one place to another. They don’t produce heat like a furnace; they move it from one place to another instead. Depending on the heat pump, it finds heat outside in either the ground or the air and transfers it back inside to your home or office.

It cools in much the same way as an air conditioner. But the difference is with a heat pump, you don’t need to install separate equipment. A heat pump does it all, making it a more cost-effective system than a traditional HVAC system.

How a heat pump cools your home

A heat pump works similarly to an air conditioning unit. Heat pumps use refrigerant to absorb heat. The heat pump pulls heat from your home, runs it through the system, and releases the hot air outside or into the ground, depending on the unit. This leaves your home cool without adding extra moisture into your home the way air conditioning does.

Switching is easy

While a heat pump has the ability to both heat and cool your home, the two systems aren’t automatic. You will need to switch from heat to cooling mode manually. To make the switch:

• Switch your thermostat from heating to cooling mode.
• Adjust the temperature to ensure your home stays at a level comfortable for your lifestyle – we suggest between 76 and 82 degrees, depending on your comfort level.
• Ensure your heat pump is in AUTO mode to ensure the fan will run as it needs.
• Heat pumps also require clean air filters to work properly. Be sure to change them out at the beginning of each season.
• Like HVAC systems, heat pumps need regular servicing as well to ensure they operate efficiently. A good rule of thumb is at the start of each season, before you use the heating or cooling mode for the first time.

If your system won’t switch from heating to cooling, there may be a problem.

It might be low in refrigerant. You’ll need a professional HVAC technician to test it and repair leaks.

It may be a bad thermostat. If you can’t “talk” to your system, you can’t control the temperature.

It may be a broken reversing valve. This helps switch the unit from heating to cooling mode. It may need adjustments, or it may need to be replaced.

If you have any questions, we’re here to help.