How a Heat Pump Reversing Valve Works

BACK

How a Heat Pump Reversing Valve Works

January 14, 2021

Comments

Faavae Foaga @daniellew

Very interesting, very refreshing.

4/20/21 at 06:17 AM

Very interesting, very refreshing.

jay613 @jay613

Curious: Why does the valve have a separate B/O wire? When or why does that B or O wire send a signal that is not identical to the corresponding W or Y wire? Why can’t the valve use the W or Y wire as its signal? Are there thermostats that do interesting things with these distinct O/B wires?

5/28/21 at 07:27 PM

David Russell @daniellew

The W and Y terminals have their own function independent of the O signal. The Y signal energizes the contactor to power the compressor and outdoor fan motor. A Y signal without an O signal runs the unit in heating mode. A Y signal with an O signal energizes the reversing valve to initiate the cooling cycle. The W signal energizes the backup heat ( often electric strip heat).Hope that helps

1/16/22 at 04:19 AM

Most popular videos

view all

Check out our most recent video

How to Evacuate an AC system, Full Vacuum Procedure

Our latest Podcast

HVAC School – For Techs, By Techs

Real training for HVAC ( Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) Technicians. Including recorded tech training, interviews, diagnostics and general conversations about the trade.

This unique podcast episode is a commentary on the phenomenon of “white shirt techs” in the HVAC industry – a term that refers to technicians who focus heavily on sales and maintaining a pristine appearance rather than technical expertise. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with having good sales skills or maintaining a professional appearance, there needs to be a balance with actual technical competency. The episode serves as part of a manifesto series heading into 2025, addressing important industry trends and concerns.

There is a delicate balance between sales and service in the HVAC industry, particularly in residential services. Some companies and technicians may prioritize metrics like average ticket price and five-star reviews over providing genuine solutions to customers’ problems. While it’s important to discuss money and options with clients, we shouldn’t resort to fear tactics or make promises that products can’t fulfill, particularly in areas like indoor air quality solutions and UV lights.

The podcast raises important questions about professional identity and integrity in the HVAC field. Technicians should occasionally step back and think about whether they’ve lost their passion for actually fixing equipment and solving technical problems in favor of focusing solely on sales. He argues that the best residential technicians maintain their interest in the mechanical aspects of the work, even as they develop their customer service and sales skills. The episode concludes with a call for technicians and companies to invest more time in technical training and to maintain their commitment to solving real problems rather than just selling solutions.

Key Topics Covered:

Definition and characteristics of “white shirt technicians”
The balance between sales skills and technical expertise
Problems with fear-based selling and overpromising in HVAC
The importance of third-party verification for product claims
Discussion of specific products like surge protectors and UV lights
The role of maintenance agreements and their value proposition
The future sustainability of sales-first business models
The importance of maintaining passion for the technical aspects of HVAC
Professional appearance versus technical competency
The relationship between pricing and actual value delivered
The role of customer reviews and their potential manipulation
Training priorities: technical skills versus sales techniques

Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.

Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android