If this is a reversing valve on a heatpump all you need do is to find out if you are getting voltage to the solenoid on the reversing valve. The solenoid is energized in either the heating or cooling mode, depending on the unit and normally receives its voltage from the orange wire from the thermostat.
If you have no voltage to the solenoid in the cooling mode, switch it over to heat. If you still have no voltage, the solenoid or the control board is bad and needs to be replaced. If you have voltage, the valve should make a swooshing noise when the unit is switched from heat to cool/cool to heat. No swoosh, valve is bad.
*First, if there is no voltage to the solenoid, then the problem does not necessarily lie in the solenoid, but from the source of its power: a relay, a control board, etc...
*Second, the statement, "No swoosh, valve is bad" is common terminology used by people who don't completely understand how heat pumps and reversing valves operate. The "swoosh" is the refrigerant rushing sound heard when the slider inside the valve shifts positions. The slider is operated by discharge pressure from the unit's compressor. If the unit is low of refrigerant it might not have enough discharge pressure to make the slider shift, therefore no "swoosh" sound.
A lot of reversing valves and compressors have been needlessly replaced by individuals who don't know what they are doing.
The purpose of the thermostat OB wire in a heating and cooling system is to control the reversing valve in a heat pump system, which changes the system from heating to cooling mode or vice versa.
depends on who makes it. some energize in heating and some in cooling.
the reversing valve is what actually changes the refrigeration cycle from heat to cool. the reversing valve receives its signal from the thermostat.
In a heat pump system, the solenoid coil on the four-way reversing valve is energized in cooling mode. When the system is in cooling mode, the solenoid energizes to switch the direction of refrigerant flow, allowing it to absorb heat from the indoor air and release it outside. Conversely, in heating mode, the solenoid is de-energized, reversing the flow to heat the indoor space.
The reversing valve
The O and B terminals are not properly enabled in the thermostat or not correctly hooked up in the unit. Some units energize the O or the B terminals to activate the reversing valve for heating or cooling, Check with the manufacturer or just try to make the swap and see if it corrects the problem.
You have to manually select the heating, and cooling mode located on your thermostat.
To properly connect the thermostat R and RC jumper wires, ensure that the R wire is connected to the R terminal on the thermostat and the RC wire is connected to the RC terminal. This will ensure that your heating and cooling system functions correctly.
Consultation of a licensed heating/cooling contractor is advisable when considering separating the heating and cooling units. The Guide to Heating and Air Conditioning is an excellent resource for information on heating/cooling repair work.
Typically, your central thermostat sends a 24 volt signal to a terminal labelled "O", down a (usually orange-colored) wire to the reversing valve. This energizes the valve to switch over to cooling operation. For heat, the 24 volt signal is removed, and the valve defaults to the heating position.The HVAC Veteran
type in google/bing heating and cooling facts.
If the reversing valve on a heat pump has an internal leak, it can cause a loss of refrigerant pressure and reduce the system's efficiency. This may lead to improper heating or cooling, as the valve fails to effectively switch between heating and cooling modes. Additionally, the leak can result in increased energy consumption and potential damage to the compressor due to inadequate refrigerant flow. Regular maintenance and prompt repair are essential to prevent these issues.