What is the purpose of a reversing valve in heat pump systems?

The purpose of a reversing valve in heat pump systems is to change the direction of the refrigerant flow for heating or cooling. This component is critical in determining whether the heat pump operates in heating mode or cooling mode.

In heating mode, the reversing valve allows the refrigerant to absorb heat from the outside air (even when it is cold outside) and transfer it indoors to provide heating. Conversely, in cooling mode, the valve reverses the flow so that the refrigerant can absorb heat from the indoor air and expel it outside, thereby cooling the interior space. This ability to switch the refrigerant flow direction enables the heat pump to serve dual purposes—heating and cooling—making it a versatile and efficient climate control system.

The other options do not align with the function of a reversing valve. Increasing refrigerant pressure, filtering impurities, or disconnecting power are not roles of the reversing valve; instead, they define distinct components or functionalities in HVAC systems.