When it comes to home heating and cooling, understanding what kind of HVAC system you have is crucial.

Among the various systems available, heat pumps are becoming popular in the U.S for their efficiency and versatility.

However, many homeowners aren’t sure if their system includes a heat pump or a more traditional furnace and air conditioner setup.

So, here’s how to know if you have a heat pump.

1. Check the Exterior Unit

The easiest way to determine if you have a heat pump is to inspect the outdoor unit of your HVAC system. If your home uses a heat pump, the exterior unit will look almost identical to a standard air conditioner.

However, there are a few key differences:

• Labeling: Look for labels or markings on the unit that say “Heat Pump,” “HP,” or mention heating functions. Some manufacturers explicitly label their units as heat pumps.

• Brand and Model Number: If the unit isn’t clearly labeled, jot down the brand and model number and search online or refer to the user manual. The manufacturer’s website can confirm if the unit is a heat pump.

2. Thermostat Settings

Your thermostat can also provide clues about whether you have a heat pump system. Modern thermostats are usually designed to work with various HVAC systems, including heat pumps. Look for the following:

• “Heat” and “Cool” Modes: If your thermostat has separate settings for “Heat” and “Cool,” this isn’t necessarily conclusive, as both heat pumps and conventional systems have these. However, a heat pump will often have an additional setting labeled “Emergency Heat” or “Auxiliary Heat.” This setting activates the backup electric resistance heating, which is unique to heat pump systems.

• Operation Behavior: During winter, switch your thermostat to heating mode. Then, go outside and check the exterior unit. If the unit is running while your home is heating, you likely have a heat pump. In contrast, a traditional system would use the indoor furnace to provide heat, with the exterior unit only running during the cooling season.

3. Observe the Unit’s Behavior Throughout the Year

A heat pump operates year-round, providing both heating and cooling. If you notice that your exterior unit is active in both summer and winter, it’s a strong indicator that you have a heat pump. On the other hand, if the outdoor unit only operates during the summer months and remains dormant in winter, it’s likely that you have a conventional air conditioning system paired with a separate heating system, such as a gas furnace.

4. Inspect Your Utility Bills

Heat pumps tend to use electricity for heating rather than natural gas or oil. If your heating bill is mostly electric and you don’t have a separate electric furnace, this could suggest you have a heat pump. Keep in mind that heat pumps are generally more energy-efficient than traditional electric heating systems, which might result in lower heating costs during milder winter months.

Our knowledgeable Comfort Advisors are experts at making your home more energy efficient. We partner with the Mass Save program to ensure you can get the best rebates possible on high-efficiency systems.

5. Just Call Landry!

If you’re still uncertain, it’s always a good idea to contact an HVAC professional. Our HVAC experts at Landry Mechanical will inspect your system, confirm whether you have a heat pump, and provide advice on maintaining or upgrading your system for optimal efficiency and comfort.

Knowing whether your home is equipped with a heat pump can help you make informed decisions about energy use, maintenance, and potential upgrades. By checking the exterior unit, thermostat settings, and your system’s behavior, you can quickly determine if you have a heat pump. If in doubt, “Just Call Landry” and our skilled technicians will bring comfort to your home.