How many ports are present on a reversing valve?

A reversing valve is an essential component in heat pump systems, responsible for switching the direction of the refrigerant flow between the heating and cooling modes. It typically has four ports to accommodate this functionality.

Two of the ports are used for the compressor and the expansion device, while the other two connect to the indoor and outdoor coils. This configuration allows the valve to effectively route the refrigerant depending on whether heating or cooling is required.

In heating mode, the refrigerant flows in one direction to absorb heat from the outside air and release it indoors. Conversely, in cooling mode, the refrigerant is directed to absorb heat from the indoor space and reject it outside. This four-port design is vital for the efficient operation of the heat pump system, making it the correct answer for the number of ports on a reversing valve.