Knowing your HVAC system is important in Orlando, where heating and cooling are essential. Understanding your system helps maintain comfort. Among the most commonly used systems are heat pumps and traditional air conditioners, and though they look quite similar, they function differently. Distinguishing between the two can save you a lot of time and effort when it comes to repairs, maintenance, and even your energy bills.
While both heat pumps and air conditioners often share the same sleek outdoor metal box, the key difference lies in their functionality. Air conditioners only cool; heat pumps cool in the summer and heat in the winter by transferring warmth instead of generating it. With that said, let’s walk through how you can determine if you have a heat pump or an AC.
Key Takeaways
- A heat pump transfers heat in both directions: outside in the summer, and inside in the winter.
- Air conditioners cool but do not heat; other heating systems handle that job.
- Key heat pump indicators include an “Emergency Heat” setting on the thermostat and an outdoor unit that runs when heating.
- Finding the model number and locating the reversing valve can provide further confirmation.
How Conventional Heating and Cooling Systems Work
Most homes are equipped with one of a few standard heating and cooling systems. Knowing how these systems work can help you figure out what you’ve got installed in your own home.
Air Conditioner Systems
Air conditioners have one job: cooling. They pull warm indoor air, remove the heat, and release it outside. You’ll feel cooler because the air in your home is less warm, but it’s all thanks to a constant cycle of releasing heat outdoors. So, while they might share a resemblance to heat pumps, air conditioners won’t warm your house in winter—that’s the job of your heating system.
Boiler Systems
A boiler heats water or steam and then uses pipes to circulate that heat throughout the home. It’s a common system in older houses or homes in colder climates. If your house is warmed through radiators or baseboards and you’ve got a water heater on standby for your showers, you’re probably working with a boiler system. Instead of moving air through ducts, boilers use liquid and pipes to get warmth where it’s needed.
Furnace Systems
Furnaces are the old workhorses of HVAC. They burn fuel—usually natural gas or propane—or use electricity to generate heat. That heat is then pushed through your home via a blower fan and air ducts.
If you’ve ever noticed a big metal box in a closet or attic with a pilot light or heavy-duty wiring, that’s probably your furnace. While a furnace and an air conditioner might share the same ductwork, the two systems are separate in how they produce hot or cold air.
How a Heat Pump Works
Heat pumps are different from air conditioners and furnaces. They don’t create heat—they move it. In the summer, a heat pump works just like an air conditioner, taking the warm air from inside your house and moving it outside.
But in the winter, it reverses the process, pulling heat from the outside air and transferring it indoors to warm your home. Yes, even in chilly weather, there’s heat to be extracted from the air, and that’s what makes heat pumps unique. The trick is the reversing valve, which allows the system to switch between cooling and heating modes by changing the direction of refrigerant flow.
HVAC System Identification
Now that you know the basics of how different systems work, let’s get into the detective work. How do you know if that metal box outside your home is a heat pump or just an air conditioner?
Look for the Emergency Heat Setting on the Thermostat
One of the easiest ways to tell if you’ve got a heat pump is by checking your thermostat for an “Emergency Heat” setting. This setting is a dead giveaway. If your thermostat has a button labeled “EM,” “EMER,” or “EMERGENCY” heat, you’ve got a heat pump.
On digital thermostats, this might appear as an option on the display screen. No emergency heat setting? Don’t worry—there’s more sleuthing left to do.
Turn on the Heat and Check the Outside Unit
A heat pump uses the outdoor unit to both cool and heat your home. This is a key difference between heat pumps and traditional air conditioning systems.
Try this: switch your thermostat to “Heat” mode, wait for a few minutes, and then check to see if the outdoor unit kicks on. If it does, you’ve got a heat pump. If the outdoor unit stays off while the heat’s running, chances are you’ve got a standard AC paired with a separate heating system like a furnace or boiler.
Check the EnergyGuide Label
Your next clue could be hidden in plain sight. Take a closer look at the labels on the outdoor unit. If you spot terms like “heat pump” or see letters like “HP” in the model number, that’s another sure sign you’re dealing with a heat pump.
Also, look for both SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) ratings—heat pumps are the only systems that typically carry both ratings. If the label is faded or hard to read, a quick Google search of the model number should give you the details you need.
Locate the Reversing Valve
This one’s a bit more hands-on, but if you’re up for it, the reversing valve is a dead giveaway that you’ve got a heat pump. First, turn off your system for safety. Then, take a peek inside the outdoor unit.
Look for a brass-like valve with three fittings—this is the reversing valve, and it’s what allows your heat pump to switch between heating and cooling. No valve? No heat pump.
Got More Questions About HVAC Systems?
If you’re still unsure about what kind of HVAC system you’ve got, give One Hour a call. Our team can help identify your system and answer any lingering questions you might have. We also offer regular maintenance plans to keep your system running efficiently year-round, so you won’t be left in the lurch when the Orlando heat gets cranked up. And remember, we’re always on time, or you don’t pay a dime.
From heat pump repairs to installations and maintenance, our experienced team is here to help make sure your system is ready for whatever the weather throws at you.
Final Thoughts
We’ve walked through four simple ways to determine if your HVAC system is a heat pump or a standard air conditioner. Check your thermostat for an emergency heat setting, test if the outdoor unit runs when the heat is on, examine the EnergyGuide label for the right clues, and, if you’re feeling adventurous, see if you can spot the reversing valve.
If you’re still stumped or need help with repairs, call in a technician who can figure it out and get your system running smoothly.
FAQs
What is a heat pump?
A heat pump is an HVAC system that can both heat and cool your home by transferring heat between the indoors and outdoors. In the summer, it works like an air conditioner by removing heat from inside and releasing it outside. In the winter, it reverses the process, drawing heat from the outside air and bringing it indoors.
How does a heat pump differ from a traditional air conditioner?
While both heat pumps and air conditioners cool your home in the summer, the difference lies in the winter. Air conditioners only cool, while heat pumps can also provide heating by reversing the flow of refrigerant to bring warmth into your home.
Are heat pumps efficient?
Yes, heat pumps are highly efficient. Because they transfer heat instead of generating it, they use less energy compared to traditional heating methods like furnaces or electric baseboard heaters. They are particularly efficient in moderate climates.
Do heat pumps work in cold weather?
Heat pumps can work effectively in cold weather, but their efficiency decreases as temperatures drop. In extremely cold climates, supplemental heating (like electric heat strips or a gas furnace) may be needed.
What is the difference between SEER and HSPF ratings?
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures the cooling efficiency of a heat pump, while HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) measures its heating efficiency. Both ratings help gauge how effectively a heat pump can perform during different seasons.
Can I replace my furnace with a heat pump?
Yes, in many cases, a heat pump can replace a furnace for both heating and cooling. However, the feasibility depends on factors like your home’s location and climate. In colder climates, a backup heat source may still be necessary.
Do heat pumps require regular maintenance?
Yes, like any HVAC system, heat pumps need regular maintenance to ensure efficiency and prolong their lifespan. This includes cleaning filters, inspecting coils, and checking refrigerant levels. It’s recommended to have professional maintenance performed at least once a year.
What is emergency heat on a heat pump?
Emergency heat is a backup heating method used when the heat pump can’t efficiently transfer heat from the outside air, typically during very cold weather. It usually engages a supplemental heat source like electric heat strips or a gas furnace.
How long do heat pumps last?
With proper maintenance, heat pumps typically last between 10 and 15 years. Factors such as climate, usage, and maintenance frequency can impact the system’s lifespan.
Can a heat pump save me money on energy bills?
Yes, heat pumps can lower your energy bills, particularly if you’re switching from a traditional electric heating system or an older, less efficient furnace. Because heat pumps move heat rather than generate it, they consume less energy for both heating and cooling.
Do heat pumps make noise?
Modern heat pumps are designed to operate quietly, though you may hear some noise from the fan and compressor. Regular maintenance can help minimize any unusual noises from wear and tear.
How can I maintain my heat pump?
Keep the outdoor unit clean, change filters regularly, and ensure that the system has adequate airflow. It’s also a good idea to have a professional inspect and tune up your heat pump annually to keep it running efficiently.