Why Is My Heat Pump Blowing Hot Air in Cooling Mode?

When you switch your heat pump in Lorton, VA, over to cooling mode this spring, you expect a powerful blast of cold air running through the vents. When you get warm air, something has gone wrong inside the system. Learn more about a few common causes of hot air blowing from your heat pump while in cooling mode so that you know what to do next.

Low Refrigerant

Your heat pump needs sufficient refrigerant to create cold air and handle heat exchange inside the system. If you have a refrigerant leak, the heat pump may still blow air, but the air won’t feel cold. If you have a leak, prompt attention is necessary to reduce hazards and restore cold air.

Clogged Air Filter

When the air filter becomes clogged with dust and debris, your system may struggle to push cold air to the vents. By the time the conditioned air does reach the vents, it may be warm or even hot. Change your air filter regularly to avoid clogs.

Reversing Valve Malfunction

The reversing valve in your heat pump controls the direction of refrigerant and helps your system warm or cool your home, depending on the season. If the valve malfunctions, you may get heat instead of cold air. This requires professional heat pump repair services to correct.

Frozen Coils

The coil in your heat pump can freeze due to low refrigerant as well as dirty conditions or mechanical failures. When the coil freezes, the system cannot make cold air. Shut down the system and allow it to thaw and call a professional HVAC contractor if it continues to freeze.

Should your system blow hot air while in cooling mode after going through all the basic troubleshooting steps, you must get help. Call Brennan’s Heating & Air Conditioning right away for trusted repairs so that you can get back to beating the heat.

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