Why does my heat pump heat but not cool?

The most likely cause is a stuck reversing valve — the component that switches the refrigerant flow direction between heating and cooling. Low refrigerant, a failed compressor, or a thermostat wiring issue can also cause this.

What is a reversing valve and how does it fail?

The reversing valve is a 4-way valve that reverses refrigerant flow to switch between heating and cooling modes. It can get stuck mechanically or the solenoid that activates it can fail electrically. It's a common heat pump repair.

Can I switch my heat pump to emergency heat if the cooling fails?

No — emergency heat only provides heating via electric resistance strips. If cooling fails in summer, you need the heat pump repaired. As a temporary measure, run the fan on 'fan only' to circulate air.

Why does my heat pump heat but not cool?

The most likely cause is a stuck reversing valve — the component that switches the refrigerant flow direction between heating and cooling. Low refrigerant, a failed compressor, or a thermostat wiring issue can also cause this.

What is a reversing valve and how does it fail?

The reversing valve is a 4-way valve that reverses refrigerant flow to switch between heating and cooling modes. It can get stuck mechanically or the solenoid that activates it can fail electrically. It's a common heat pump repair.

Can I switch my heat pump to emergency heat if the cooling fails?

No — emergency heat only provides heating via electric resistance strips. If cooling fails in summer, you need the heat pump repaired. As a temporary measure, run the fan on 'fan only' to circulate air.

Heat Pump Not Cooling

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Professional Heat Pump Not Cooling in Asheville & Western NC

A heat pump that heats fine in winter but won't cool in summer — or vice versa — has specific causes that are different from a standard AC failure.

What Causes a Heat Pump Not to Cool

A heat pump uses the same refrigeration cycle as a traditional AC but reverses the flow to provide heating. When it fails to cool, the most common causes include a stuck reversing valve that won't switch from heating to cooling mode, low refrigerant from a leak, a failed or weak compressor, a dirty outdoor coil, a failed outdoor fan motor, or a thermostat that isn't sending the correct signal to switch modes.

Quick Things You Can Check

Verify the thermostat is set to 'cool' (not 'heat' or 'fan only') and the set temperature is below room temperature. Go outside and check if the outdoor unit is running — if the fan isn't spinning, the compressor isn't running either. Check the breaker. Replace the air filter. If the outdoor fan is spinning but the air inside is warm, the problem is likely the reversing valve or refrigerant charge.

When This Becomes a Serious Problem

A heat pump running in cooling mode with low refrigerant will eventually freeze the indoor coil, causing water damage when it thaws. A stuck reversing valve means the system may be running in heating mode — actively warming your house on a hot day. If you're also noticing the system running constantly without cooling, the problem is compounding.

When to Call for Heat Pump Repair in Asheville

If thermostat settings are correct and the outdoor unit is running but air is warm, you need a technician. Quality Comfort provides heat pump repair in Asheville — we test reversing valves, check refrigerant pressures, and diagnose compressor issues on the first visit.