a/c condenser conversion to heat pump?

[azugey]

I have been told by my know it all neighbor that my outdoor a/c condenser can be converted to a heat pump by simply installing a "reversing valve." Is this possible?

[hvacdrd]

Aaa...how do we say.... possible? Sure, people voted for Bill Clinton twice.

Logical - well who said it has to make sense?

Let Wilson know that it takes a little more than that. Reversing valve, defrost control, suction line accumulator, dual flow metering device for indoor coil(not designed for a heat pump or rated as such), some type of metering device for outdoor coil(which is probably not designed for use as a heat pump anyways) - I am sure I am missing more items, bottom line is a/c units are not designed to be "converted" to a heat pump...and for all of the proper parts and controls it would cost more to "convert" one than to buy new.

[azugey]

thanks for the reply..............................I will advise the neighborhood "mayor" he should reach out to people like yourself for this type of advise.

[brandonh]

might want to throw in a new thermostat too.