The homeowners called on a damp Everett morning because their heat pump was running but the house stayed chilly. With October through April still ahead, they were worried about losing reliable heat during the wet cold season.
What the homeowner was experiencing before the call
- Heat pump fan and compressor were running but indoor registers delivered cool air
- Thermostat showed system in heating mode but no warm air coming through
- Unit was about seven years old and had been otherwise reliable until recently
- Homeowner noticed the issue after switching from cooling to heating for the season
Those symptoms told us the system had power and controls working but the refrigeration flow wasn’t reversing into heating. In our climate, a unit that runs but does not warm the house is something to address quickly so families stay comfortable during rainy, cold stretches.
What our inspection revealed on the 7-year-old heat pump
- Reversing valve was stuck in the cooling position and would not shift
- No signs of compressor failure or lack of refrigerant that would explain the behavior
- Mechanical evaluation confirmed the valve solenoid was faulty
- Electrical checks showed proper voltage to the valve but no mechanical response
A stuck reversing valve means the system keeps circulating refrigerant for cooling even when the controls request heat. For the homeowner that explains why the equipment ran but delivered cold air. At seven years old, wear can show up in moving parts like this valve, so replacement was the right call.
How we repaired the reversing valve and restored operation
- Removed and replaced the faulty reversing valve with a matched replacement component
- Evacuated and tested the refrigeration circuit to ensure proper charge and integrity
- Started and cycled the system through full heating and cooling modes to confirm operation
- Performed final safety and performance checks before leaving the home
Professional service here involves careful handling of the refrigerant circuit, precise replacement of the mechanical valve, and thorough testing through both heating and cooling cycles. Our technician completed the repair and verified the system returned to normal heating performance, so the family could rely on steady warmth again.
Stay warm with Altitude Heating and Cooling
If your heat pump is running but not producing heat, call the local pros who know heat pumps in Snohomish and King County. Altitude Heating and Cooling restored this Everett home to full heating and cooling operation. Reach us at (425) 201-1998 or altitudeheating.com.
