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You look at the big metal box outside. You wonder what it is. Is it an air conditioner or a heat pump?
They look exactly the same on the outside. Both have a large fan on top. Both have metal grills on the sides.
At Fixurge we get this question a lot. We will show you how to check today. It is very easy and takes two minutes.
You do not need any special tools. You do not need to take anything apart. Just follow these simple steps.
Step 1: Look at Your Thermostat
This is the easiest way to check. Go to your thermostat on the wall. Look at the system settings.
Do you see a setting for emergency heat? Does the screen say Em Heat? If yes, you have a heat pump.
Regular air conditioners do not have this setting. They only cool the air in your house. They cannot heat your home.
If your screen is completely blank, read our guide. It covers Thermostat Issues to help you fix it. A working thermostat makes this test easy.
Step 2: Read the Outside Label
Go outside to your big metal unit. Look for a large sticker on the side. This is called the data plate.
It is usually near the back panel. It sits close to the power wires. You might need to wipe dirt off it.
Read the words on the sticker carefully. Does it say heat pump anywhere? Does it have the letters HP?
If it only says air conditioner, it is just an AC. You can learn more about these machines online. Read the Energy.gov Heat Pump Guide for more details.
Need Help With Your Heat Pump?
Step 3: Look for the Reversing Valve
Look down through the top fan grill. You might need a bright flashlight for this. Look deep inside the machine.
Do you see a shiny brass tube? Does it have three smaller pipes on one side? Is there one pipe on the other side?
This is a reversing valve.
Only heat pumps have this special part. It changes the flow of the gas.
The valve acts like a train switch. It sends hot air inside during winter. In summer it sends hot air outside.
Step 4: The Winter Heat Test
Turn your indoor thermostat to heat. Make sure the heat is running. Go outside and listen to the unit.
Is the big metal box humming and running? A regular air conditioner stays quiet all winter. It only works in the summer.
A heat pump runs all winter long. It works hard to warm your house. It pulls heat from the cold outside air.
Does the outside fan spin in winter? Then you definitely have a heat pump. You can learn more about heating systems here. Read our Furnace Heating guide today.
FAQ
Are heat pumps and air conditioners the same?
They cool your home the exact same way. But heat pumps can also heat your home. They work hard in both seasons.
Do I still need a furnace if I have a heat pump?
Sometimes you need a furnace for cold days. Heat pumps struggle when it is freezing outside. The furnace helps keep you warm.
How long do heat pumps last?
They usually last around 15 years with good care. You can find efficiency ratings online. Check the AHRI Directory for specific models.
Conclusion
Finding out what system you have is easy. Check your thermostat for the emergency heat setting. Look for the shiny brass valve inside.
Listen for the outside fan spinning in winter. If you still do not know, we can help. Call our team for HVAC Services today.
We can tell you exactly what you have. We are always happy to answer your questions. Visit our Contact Us page to reach out or call us directly.
