Furnaces
How Do You Know If You Have a Heat Pump?
By Tom Moor•January 14, 2025The Difference Between Heat Pumps and Conventional HVAC Systems Can Be Confusing
You may have been asked by an HVAC technician, “What type of system do you have?” and found yourself unsure how to answer. If you’ve ever shrugged and said, “I’m not sure” or “It’s an AC and furnace, I think,” don’t worry – you’re not alone.
HVAC systems can be confusing, after all, and many homeowners aren’t exactly sure what type of system they have, especially if they’ve never had to replace one before. Understanding the difference between a heat pump and a conventional air conditioning and furnace setup can be tricky, but it’s crucial for knowing what kind of care your system needs. HVAC.com discusses how to identify whether you have a heat pump or a conventional HVAC system so you’re better prepared when it’s time for repairs, maintenance, or replacement.
How Do Heat Pumps Work?
To better understand whether you have a heat pump system or a conventional HVAC setup, let’s first take a look at how heat pumps work. A heat pump is essentially a heating and cooling system in one. During the warmer months, a heat pump functions similarly to an air conditioner; it moves heat out of your home to cool things down. In the winter, it works in reverse by switching the flow of refrigerant, pulling heat from the outside air and moving it inside to warm your home. A reversing valve is the key feature that distinguishes a heat pump from other types of systems.
Unlike a furnace, which uses fuel like natural gas or oil to generate heat, a heat pump runs on electricity and doesn’t produce heat – it simply moves it inside or outside of your home, depending on the season. The process is more energy efficient than heating with a furnace, especially in moderate climates.
A heat pump can eliminate the need for a separate heating unit like a furnace, depending on your climate and the type of system you own. In colder climates, you may need to pair a heat pump with a gas furnace, which is referred to as a dual-fuel system. Traditional heat pumps lose efficiency once the temperature drops below freezing, although manufacturers are building cold-climate heat pumps that can operate in below-zero temperatures.
How to Tell If You Have a Heat Pump or an Air Conditioner
It can be tricky to know whether you have a heat pump or standard AC unit because they look so similar. They’re both box-shaped units located next to your home. However, inspecting the outdoor unit as well as the thermostat can provide clues to help you distinguish between the two.
Start by looking for the manufacturer’s label that mentions the model number or brand name on the outdoor unit – it’s usually located on the side or front of the system. The model number can provide a lot of information about what kind of system you have. If it’s a heat pump, the label may indicate features like “HP” for heat pump or mention the system’s ability to reverse its refrigerant flow. There should also be an EnergyGuide label that shows how efficient the unit is. If it refers to SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor), you have a heat pump. HSPF is unique to heat pumps and indicates how efficient a heat pump is in heating mode.
Also, if you see a reversing valve inside the condenser unit, you have a heat pump. As previously mentioned, this feature allows the system to reverse the direction of refrigerant flow. If you don’t see any such switch, it’s more likely you have a standard air conditioner, which only cools your home and doesn’t have the ability to reverse its cycle for heating. A heat pump reverse valve is typically a small, cylindrical metal component with two or more copper lines connected to it.
Finally, another easy way to tell if you have a heat pump or AC is by checking your thermostat. While heat pumps have a setting for “heat” and “cool,” you may also notice an “auxiliary heat” or “emergency heat” setting which allows you to switch to the backup heating mode such as a gas furnace when the heat pump loses efficiency in extremely cold temperatures. However, if your thermostat is strictly divided into “heat” and “cool” modes with no backup settings, you’re probably dealing with a conventional air conditioner/furnace setup.
How to Tell If You Have a Heat Pump or Furnace
If you know that your system provides heating and cooling, but you’re not sure whether it’s a heat pump or a conventional furnace/AC setup, there are a few simple signs to look for.
First, when the “heat” is activated, go outside and observe the outdoor condenser unit. If the unit is running with the fan spinning, you own a heat pump system. Traditional air conditioning units sit idle during the winter. You can also check your thermostat for the “emergency heat” setting that indicates whether you own a heat pump system.
While heat pump-only HVAC systems do rely on an indoor air handling unit to distribute conditioned air throughout the home, they do not require a separate furnace (unless you live in a cold region that requires a backup heating source), as the heat pump itself provides both heating and cooling by reversing the flow of refrigerant.
A furnace is generally bulkier than an indoor air handling unit because it houses the heating element, whereas an air handler is mainly a blower/fan, evaporator coil, and air filter that circulates air from the furnace or heat pump and typically occupies less space.
Check the Model Number
If you’re still unsure whether you have a heat pump or a conventional system, the quickest way to identify your system is by checking the model number on the unit. Many modern systems will have a model number somewhere on the cabinet. If you see a brand name and model number, you can quickly search online to identify whether the system is a heat pump or a conventional furnace/AC setup.
HVAC manufacturers usually provide detailed specifications for each of their products, so you can easily confirm whether you have a heat pump or a traditional furnace and AC system.
The Bottom Line
Now that you have a clearer idea of how heat pumps and conventional systems work and how to identify each, you’re one step closer to understanding your HVAC system a little better. Whether you have a heat pump, a furnace/heat pump, or an air conditioner/furnace, knowing what type of system you have is crucial for maintaining comfort and preventing unnecessary repairs. Next time an HVAC technician asks you about your system, you’ll feel more confident in answering – or at least know where to look to find out!