
What is a reversing valve in a heat pump?
A reversing valve a type of valve and is a component in a heat pump, that changes the direction of refrigerant flow. By reversing the flow of refrigerant, the heat pump refrigeration cycle is changed from cooling to heating or vice versa.
What should I do if my O/B reversing valve is not working?
2) For heat pumps, verify the O/B reversing valve is energized on the correct setting If you have a heat pump system, it's possible that your O/B reversing valve may be energized on the wrong setting. The easiest way to diagnose if this is the issue is by also testing your heat--is the air warm or cool?
What is the default position of a reversing valve?
Also mentioned was the fact that reversing valves have a default position when they are not energized. Most manufacturers at this point default to heat (O terminal is energized for cooling), though there are some that still default to cooling (B terminal is energized for heating).
What is the difference between O and B on heat pump?
The heat pump is ‘O’ if it energizes in cooling and ‘B’ if it energizes on heating. Thermostats use the B terminal in systems with a reversing valve that turns on with heat mode. The system uses the O terminal if the reversing valve turns on while running cooling mode.

What is the main purpose of the reversing valve?
0:048:42Reversing valve - Heat Pump. How it works, Operation. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd this is what allows the refrigerant to reverse its flow and that will provide both heating.MoreAnd this is what allows the refrigerant to reverse its flow and that will provide both heating.
Is my reversing valve O or B?
The O/B terminal is for heat pump systems and is used for the reversing valve.
What is the OB wire on a thermostat?
O, B, O/B: These wires are responsible for switching the changeover valve in a heat pump system. The O wire reverses the valve from heating to cooling, and the B wire switches the valve from cooling to heating.
What is a reversing valve and how does it operate?
The reversing valve is a cylindrical metal tube that has 4 valves; there is a slide inside the tube that moves back and forth when your heat pump changes modes. A small electronic component called a solenoid sits on top, and helps the valve slide back and forth as needed.
Should OB energized on cool or heat?
CoolingMost commonly, O/B is energized in Cooling (O on cool). For Rheem or Ruud brand heat pumps, the O/B must energize on heating (B on Heat).
How is your OB reversing valve energized?
O/B Terminals Also mentioned was the fact that reversing valves have a default position when they are not energized. Most manufacturers at this point default to heat (O terminal is energized for cooling), though there are some that still default to cooling (B terminal is energized for heating).
What color wire goes in OB?
It's usually blue, but it may also be black, brown or purple. The O or orange wire connects to your heat pump (if applicable).
Does my heat pump use an O or B wire?
O/BIf you have a heat pump and your thermostat doesn't have a separate wire labeled O, then the wire labeled B should be connected to the Nest thermostat's O/B connector.
What controls the reversing valve?
A reversing valve operates by a pressure difference inside a metal tube, controlled by a solenoid. The pressure change moves a slider through the tube, and this slide straddles two of three tube openings.
How do you test a reversing valve?
0:074:23How to Troubleshoot a Reversing Valve - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe start by checking the temperature of the hot gas line as shown here with the temperature. Climb.MoreWe start by checking the temperature of the hot gas line as shown here with the temperature. Climb. Once this temperature has stabilized. We test the tubes.
What is a 4 way reversing valve?
Four-way reversing valves are used to completely reverse the cycle of one-to-one heat pump systems. Such valves may be used to facilitate using the system for both heating and cooling, or to provide an effective and energetically optimized defrosting method.
What is the most common problem with reversing valves?
One of the most common problems that can develop with a reversing valve is that is can get stuck. It may become stuck in a specific mode or in between modes.
How do you unstick a reversing valve on a heat pump?
The reversing valve is a pilot operated valve and requires a pressure differential to operate. If you suspect the valve is stuck, take a soft object like the plastic handle of your screwdriver and tap on either side of the valve body. This may free the valve.
What type of valve is used in heat pump?
The expansion valve most commonly used in the heat pumps is copper capillary tube. The refrigerant leaves the expansion valve at extremely low pressure and low temperature in partially liquid state and partially gaseous state.
What controls the reversing valve on a heat pump?
A reversing valve operates by a pressure difference inside a metal tube, controlled by a solenoid. The pressure change moves a slider through the tube, and this slide straddles two of three tube openings.
Does Trane energize reversing valve in heat or cool?
Reversing valve energizes in cooling... with the unit running i DE-energized the reversing valve and and within a minute the head pressure goes up and suction goes into a vacuum.
What is a reversing valve?
A reversing valve a type of valve and is a component in a heat pump, that changes the direction of refrigerant flow. By reversing the flow of refrigerant, the heat pump refrigeration cycle is changed from cooling to heating or vice versa. This allows a residence or facility to be heated and cooled by a single piece of equipment, by the same means, ...
How is a reverse valve driven?
Depending on the construction and use of the heat pump, the reversing valve may be driven by the heat pump through the use of a defrost control board, or it may be driven directly by a thermostat (typically from the "O" terminal of the thermostat).
