The reversing valve — it's the part of an all-season heat pump that allows you to stay cool indoors during the summer and comfortably warm all winter. At the press of a button, the refrigerant flow in or out of your home is reversed. This provides you with an air conditioner and heater in one energy-efficient system. Here are three signs that indicate it's time to replace this vital component before it breaks down altogether.

Stuck in Cooling or Heating Mode

Inside every heat pump reversing valve is a mechanism that slides back and forth to switch the system from heating to cooling or vice versa. A small electrical component called a solenoid kicks the valve into action when the thermostat signals the system to change modes. The solenoid receives a surge of electricity when first energized, which can cause it to overheat or burn out over time. A skilled HVAC technician can easily spot this problem and remedy it quickly.

Heat Pump Compressor Malfunction

Your heat pump uses refrigerant to move heat out of your home during the warm-weather season and back into it when the weather turns wintry. If the refrigerant discharge in the system's compressor doesn't pump properly, the reversing valve won't shift directions. While the solenoid component tells the valve to change modes, the pressure of the refrigerant entering the component powers the switch. Avoid the cost of replacing the compressor by having it checked by a qualified technician at the first sign of a problem.

Poor Performance and Higher Energy Bills

When a heat pump reversing valve begins to fail, your system must cycle on more frequently to maintain a comfortable temperature. That can send your energy bills skyrocketing. If you notice you're paying more for heating or cooling but not getting great results, the reversing valve might be to blame.

If you're experiencing problems with the reversing valve in your heat pump system, Call One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning of Baton Rouge today. Since 1980, our HVAC service experts have been proud to provide the Baton Rouge area with top-quality heat pump repair services.