How Do You Know If You Have a Heat Pump in Your Puyallup, WA Home?

If you’ve recently moved into a new home or are unsure about the type of heating and cooling system in your house, you may ask yourself, “How do you know if you have a heat pump?”

DEAR Services often helps customers with this common question, which is important because heat pumps and traditional HVAC system setups can look strikingly similar. Read this discussion from the leader in heat pump repair services in Puyallup, WA, to learn more about your indoor comfort system.

Understanding the Basics of a Heat Pump

A heat pump is a versatile system that provides both heating and cooling through a single unit. Rather than generating heat through combustion or electrical resistance, a heat pump transfers heat between indoors and outdoors, depending on the mode it’s running in. 

In heating mode, the heat pump pulls heat from the outdoor air and brings it inside. In cooling mode, it reverses the process, removing heat from inside and releasing it outdoors, much like a traditional air conditioner.

How Do You Know If You Have a Heat Pump?

Although heat pumps look much like a traditional HVAC system at first glance, there are some reliable steps to identify what type of system you have.  

1. Examine the Outdoor Unit

Start by checking the outdoor unit for identifying features:

• Locate the model number and manufacturer’s nameplate on the unit, which you’ll usually find on the side or top panel of the outdoor unit. 
• Look for labels or descriptions that include abbreviations like “HP” or, of course, the more obvious “heat pump.”
• Write down the model number of your unit and search for information about it or owners’ manuals online.

2. Test the System in Heating Mode

This is a definitive test:

• Set your thermostat to heating mode and adjust the temperature to activate the system.
• Go outside and check if the outdoor unit is operating. If it runs during heating mode, it’s a heat pump because standard air conditioners do not cycle on when the furnace is running. 

3. Check the Thermostat for Heat Pump-Specific Settings

Heat pump thermostats often have settings for backup heating systems, such as:

• Auxiliary Heat (Aux Heat). The system relies on additional support when the heat pump requires extra heating power in extreme cold.
• Emergency Heat (Em Heat). This manual setting bypasses the heat pump to rely only on the backup heating system.

4. Inspect for a Reversing Valve

If you’re comfortable with basic inspections, then try the following:

• Turn off the system and look inside the outdoor unit.
• Heat pumps typically include a brass reversing valve with three connections, which enables the system to alternate between heating and cooling modes.

Follow these steps to confidently identify whether your home has a heat pump or a traditional HVAC system. From there, you can better evaluate optimal system operation and maintenance.

Maintaining Your Heat Pump

How do you know if you have a heat pump? Now that we’ve covered that question, routine care is crucial to ensure your heat pump operates efficiently. Schedule regular HVAC inspections to keep your system in top condition. Here are some maintenance tips:

• Clear vegetation and debris around the outdoor unit to prevent airflow obstructions.
• Replace air filters every 30 to 90 to maintain unrestricted airflow and energy efficiency. 
• Schedule regular professional servicing to check all critical components and refrigerant levels.

If you determine that you have a heat pump or want to upgrade your current system, contact a qualified professional for an expert HVAC inspection. Skilled technicians will evaluate your system and provide personalized recommendations to meet your needs.