In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie is joined by Jamie Kitchen, an HVAC expert, Training and Account Manager at Danfoss, to talk all about TX valves for heat pumps. Jamie breaks down how these valves work in both heating and cooling modes and why they need to handle refrigerant flow in two directions. They discuss the parts of a TX valve, how pressure and temperature control the flow, and why Danfoss uses stainless steel in their design. Jamie also explains how proper installation helps prevent common issues and why external equalizers are important in many setups. It’s a must-listen for anyone working with heat pumps.

Jamie Kitchen from Danfoss joins Gary to talk about TX valves used in heat pumps. Jamie explains how these valves control refrigerant flow when switching between heating and cooling. He breaks down how the valve parts work together, using pressure and temperature to open and close. They also talk about why heat pumps need special valves, and how check valves help flow in both directions. Jamie explains why Danfoss uses stainless steel bulbs and tubes to stop leaks and handle rough conditions. It’s a helpful talk for techs who want to understand heat pump valves better and install them correctly.

Jamie explains how TX valves in heat pumps work like traffic lights for refrigerants, letting it flow the right way in heating or cooling. He shows how the valve uses pressure from a sensing bulb, a spring, and the coil to open or close. Jamie and Gary talk about why using an external equalizer helps the valve work better, and how check valves let refrigerants move both ways. Jamie also shares why Danfoss uses stainless steel parts; they last longer and don’t break or leak. It’s a smart guide for techs who want to understand these valves and avoid system issues.

Expect to Learn:

• How TX valves work in both heating and cooling modes.

• Why heat pumps need valves that flow in both directions.

• How pressure and temperature control valve opening and closing.

• Why using an external equalizer helps the valve feed right.

• How stainless steel parts make the valve last longer and stay leak-free.

Episode Highlights:

[00:44] - Introduction to Jamie Kitchen - Part 01

[02:02] - What Makes Heat Pumps Different: Reversing Valve Basics

[04:48] - How TXVs Work: Refrigerant Flow & Check Valve Role

[06:25] - TXVs in Southern U.S. vs. Cold Climate Installations

[10:36] - Why External Equalizers Help TXVs Feed Properly

[16:05] - The Three Forces in a TXV: Bulb, Spring & Evaporator Pressure

[19:23] - What’s Inside the Bulb? Refrigerant Mix for Better Control

[22:07] - Why Danfoss Uses Stainless Steel for Bulbs & Tubes

 

This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:

Master: https://www.master.ca/

Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/

Supply House: https://www.supplyhouse.com/

Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/

property.com: https://mccreadie.property.com

Follow the Guest Jamie Kitchen on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-kitchen/

Danfoss: https://www.linkedin.com/company/danfoss/

Follow the Host:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/

Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/