Nest App System Detail “Heat Pump Orientation”

[GWilJr]

I have a question about the system detail “Heat pump orientation” shown in the Nest app for iOS.

I have two electric heat pump units, one upstairs and a second downstairs. Both are currently in heat mode.

When I view the Equipment “System details” of each unit in the Nest app, the “Heat pump orientation” for the upstairs unit is currently “B” while the downstairs unit is “O.”

My question is this:  Is the information I am viewing in the app simply a status indicator for the compressor valve on each unit, or does it mean I have something configured incorrectly in the thermostat?  If I have configured something incorrectly, is it an app setting, a thermostat setting, or a wiring issue.  Both thermostats are wired the same.

Thank you!

[zoeuvre]

Hi GWilJr, 

Thanks for reaching out to us. The "Heat pump orientation" information displayed in the Nest app refers to the configuration of the heat pump's reversing valve. The reversing valve is responsible for switching the heat pump between heating and cooling modes. In the Nest app, "O" typically stands for "O/B" or "O/B Changeover" and "B" stands for "B Changeover." The specific labeling may vary depending on the thermostat model and setup.

In a typical setup, if you have a heat pump system, the reversing valve should be configured to "O" during cooling mode (to direct refrigerant flow for cooling) and to "B" during heating mode (to direct refrigerant flow for heating). This configuration helps the heat pump operate correctly in both heating and cooling modes. If you see that the "Heat pump orientation" for one unit is "O" and the other is "B," it could indicate a misconfiguration or wiring issue. Both thermostats should ideally have the same configuration for proper operation.

I would recommend checking the wiring connections at both thermostats to ensure they are properly connected and that the wiring matches the recommended configuration for your specific heat pump system. If the wiring appears correct and the thermostats are configured properly, it's possible that there may be an issue with the heat pump units themselves, and you may need to consult a professional HVAC technician to diagnose and resolve the issue.

Let us know how it goes.

Best,

Zoe