Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Flex Duct • Recovery • Plenum

Reversing Valve

Term from Air Conditioning Services industry explained for recruiters

A Reversing Valve is a key part in heating and cooling systems that allows the system to switch between heating and cooling modes. Think of it like a traffic director that can change the direction of the refrigerant flow in an air conditioning or heat pump system. This ability to "reverse" the operation is what makes heat pumps able to both heat and cool a building. When you see this term on a resume, it usually indicates that the person has experience working with heat pumps and advanced air conditioning systems.

Examples in Resumes

Diagnosed and replaced faulty Reversing Valve components in residential heat pump systems

Performed maintenance checks on Reversing Valves and Heat Pump mechanisms

Trained junior technicians in troubleshooting Reversing Valve issues in commercial HVAC units

Typical job title: "HVAC Technicians"

Also try searching for:

HVAC Service Technician Air Conditioning Technician Heat Pump Specialist HVAC Maintenance Technician Climate Control Technician HVAC Repair Specialist

Where to Find HVAC Technicians

Professional Organizations

Online Communities

Job Resources

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you diagnose a reversing valve that's stuck in one position?

Expected Answer: A senior technician should explain the step-by-step troubleshooting process, including checking electrical signals, testing solenoid function, and verifying refrigerant pressures. They should also mention how to determine if the valve needs replacement or just repair.

Q: How would you train a junior technician to properly diagnose reversing valve issues?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate teaching ability by explaining how they would break down the diagnostic process into simple steps, emphasize safety procedures, and provide hands-on training opportunities with supervision.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the common problems you might encounter with a reversing valve?

Expected Answer: Should be able to list and explain common issues like stuck valves, leaking valves, electrical problems with the solenoid, and how these issues affect system operation.

Q: How do you determine if a reversing valve needs replacement?

Expected Answer: Should explain the signs of valve failure, testing procedures, and considerations for replacement versus repair, including cost-effectiveness and system age.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is a reversing valve and what does it do?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain in simple terms that it's the component that allows a heat pump to switch between heating and cooling modes by changing the direction of refrigerant flow.

Q: What safety precautions should you take when working with reversing valves?

Expected Answer: Should mention basic safety practices like turning off power, wearing proper protection, and being careful with refrigerant handling.