When you try to turn the a/c on it runs heat. I got the a/c to run by cycling the power a couple of times but after having to use the heat again, it is stuck again. Having a heater that won't heat is a frustrating problem, for sure. Heat Pump Stuck in Aux Heat Mode. Signs that your heat pump is in defrost mode include: Broken reversing valve: The reversing valve is the essential component of the heat pump for changing the system over from one mode to another. Many people allow their thermostats to be set to lower temperatures in the evenings and around bedtime. Second, the process should only take a few minutes. Here's what's happening when your heat pump seems stuck. If your heat pump seems to be stuck in cooling mode, it’s probably because of a problem with your reversing valve. Thermostat: As the brain of your system, this component should never be overlooked. The Reversing Valve. Could this be an electrical problem or is it probably the reversing valve? If your heat pump isn’t cooling the air in your home, read on to find out why. Coronavirus Update: We care about your health and continue to service our customers safely. Another common scenario is when the thermostat calls for a three-degree temperature rise . Heat pumps are constructed very much like air conditioners, with one major exception: the reversing valve. If your heat pump seems to be stuck on auxiliary heat mode and the temperatures outside are above 35 degrees, you should call the professionals at Precision Heating & Air. When the user presses the “change mode” button on the device, an electrical signal is sent to the solenoid in the valve; this part activates the sliding mechanism, and then it makes sure the refrigerant passes through the valve to the desired place so it can either cool or heat depending on the selected mode. Sometimes in heat pump systems, the reversing valve that switches the system from air conditioning to heating function gets stuck. One of those problems is becoming stuck in one mode or another. The defrost mode light stays on constantly: First, the heat pump shouldn’t even go into defrost mode unless the outside unit is covered in snow or ice. Have a look at how the reversing valve operates, and how a problem with it can lock your system into cooling mode. When this occurs the system can get stuck in ‘heating’ mode. I have a heat pump that seems to be stuck in heat mode. Luckily, this part can be easily swapped out by a pro. If you notice the heat pump defrosting for an extended period of time, call a pro right away. The reversing valve is a 4-way valve that sits in the refrigerant line. If the heat pump is in defrost mode, you will also need to make good use of your auxiliary heat. The Reversing Valve. When your heat pump experiences issues, it might not be a problem with the actual system at all but rather with your thermostat. 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