Heat pumps and traditional forced air systems look strikingly similar, although these two types of heating and cooling systems operate in completely different ways. Did you recently purchase a new home or move into a rental property? How do you know if you have a heat pump?
Cool By Design specializes in professional heat pump installation in Lighthouse Point, FL. We are familiar with both systems and will gladly share our knowledge with you below. Read on to learn how to spot the differences between heat pumps and other climate control installations.
What Is a Heat Pump?
You could be forgiven for mistaking a heat pump for more common HVAC system types. After all, heat pumps use forced air the same way that a furnace or air conditioner might, only with more energy-efficient heating and cooling capabilities.
The average forced-air system sucks in outdoor or indoor air, conditions it to the desired temperature, and then distributes it throughout your Lighthouse Point household. Here, you need separate heating and cooling units to reach your preferred temperature setting. A furnace will only supply heat, while an air conditioner will provide cool air.
A heat pump, meanwhile, does both functions, distributing warm and cool air right from the same unit. The pump gathers heat from the air, ground, or subterranean water sources to heat your house. When it cools, it removes heat from the home and deposits it in those spaces outdoors.
Occasionally, households in colder climates need backup furnaces to help these heat pumps remain consistent during very cold snaps. Lighthouse Point residents don’t have to worry about extra heating in this subtropical climate.
How Do You Know If You Have a Heat Pump?
Did you know that heat pumps might save enough energy to pay for themselves throughout their service lives? That’s a solid return on investment as far as home heating solutions go. Still, how do you know if you have a heat pump that’s going to get you that far?
The HVAC professionals break down some details below so that you have a better idea of your system type and how it is performing.
Does Your Lighthouse Point, Florida, Home Have Emergency Heat?
Earlier, you learned that some heat pumps come equipped with a backup furnace, though this isn’t typical of locations like Lighthouse Point. Even so, some homeowners might have felt the need to install an emergency heat source, just in case.
The average heat pump features a backup furnace unit or heat strips to protect indoor comfort during icy weather. You should notice a setting on your thermostat that reads “emergency heat” or “auxiliary heat.” This setting enables you to use the backup heat source (and indicates that you have a heat pump).
Look for a Model Number
All manufacturers assign their HVAC equipment with unique numbers connected to the system type, production year, and other pertinent information.
Find the brand name and model number on the manufacturer’s label, a large sticker on the outdoor unit’s exterior paneling. Search for that number and manufacturing brand online. Your search results should confirm either HVAC or heat pump identification information.
Find the Energy Guide Label
You can’t read the identification sticker if it’s faded or worn, so how do you know if you have a heat pump? Another way the professionals identify different types of heating and cooling systems is via their energy label guides.
You’ll find the guide attached to the indoor unit. Since its location protects it from fading or peeling, you should be able to read it easily.
Furnaces and air conditioners feature separate energy ratings for heating and cooling capabilities. Heat pumps receive dual ratings since they are the only HVAC systems that deliver warm and cool air from a single unit. If you find two ratings, it’s a heat pump.
Does Your Property Have Ductwork?
Some residential heat pumps don’t require ductwork to circulate and deliver air to various interior spaces. The absence of ductwork isn’t a foolproof identifier, but it is certainly a strong indication that your home in Lighthouse Point, Florida, features a heat pump.
Of course, you might also have a ductless mini-split setup.
Do You Have a Heat Pump? Contact Cool By Design Air Conditioning Experts for Services in Lighthouse Point, Florida
How do you know if you have a heat pump? If you still aren’t sure after the above identification tips, contact the Cool By Design experts. We can identify your system type and provide standard services or heat pump repair and maintenance services in Lighthouse Point, Florida.