What is the status of the indoor metering device when the heat pump is operating in cooling mode?

When a heat pump is operating in cooling mode, the indoor metering device is responsible for controlling the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator coil. This component regulates the amount of refrigerant that enters the coil, allowing it to absorb heat from the indoor air effectively. By metering the refrigerant, the device ensures that the system operates efficiently and maintains the desired indoor temperature.

In cooling mode, the metering device performs optimally to enable the refrigerant to expand properly and transition from a high-pressure liquid to a low-pressure vapor. This phase change is crucial for effectively removing heat from the indoor space and transferring it outside.

The other choices describe conditions that would not typically apply to a functioning heat pump in cooling mode. A closed metering device would prevent refrigerant flow, which would hinder cooling. Bypassing refrigerant or leaking could indicate a malfunction or a fault in the system that would impair cooling performance. Thus, the correct answer reflects the active role of the indoor metering device in managing the refrigerant flow for effective heat extraction during cooling operation.