Many people ask us, “How do I know if I have a heat pump?” This is a very good question. At Doctor Heat Pump, we help families figure this out every day. First of all, knowing what type of system you have helps you take care of it better. Also, it can save you money on your bills. Plus, heat pumps work very well in our Las Vegas weather. So, let’s find out if you have one in your home!
What Is a Heat Pump?
A heat pump moves heat from one place to another. It does not make heat like a furnace. In summer, it takes heat from inside your home and moves it outside. Then in winter, it does the opposite. It finds heat outside (yes, even when it’s cold) and brings it inside.
Heat pumps use electricity, not gas. Therefore, they are better for our planet. Many Las Vegas homes have heat pumps because they work well in our climate.
How Do I Know If I Have a Heat Pump? Look Outside
One easy way to know is to look at your outdoor unit. For instance, a heat pump looks like an air conditioner. However, there are some differences.
Check the Label
Most of all, check the label on your outdoor unit. If it says “heat pump,” then you have one! Additionally, look for words like:
| What to Look For | What It Means |
|---|---|
| “Heat Pump” | You have a heat pump |
| “Reversing Valve” | Part only found in heat pumps |
| “HSPF Rating” | Heat pump efficiency rating |
Furthermore, heat pump units often have more pipes than AC-only units.
How Do I Know If I Have a Heat Pump? Check Your Thermostat
Look for Special Settings
Your thermostat can give you clues, too. In fact, heat pump thermostats have special settings.
Look for:
- “Emergency Heat” mode
- “Aux Heat” setting
- “Heat Pump” option
If you see any of these, you likely have a heat pump. After that, try changing to heat mode and see what happens.
How Do I Know If I Have a Heat Pump? Watch It Work
In Winter Mode
When it’s cold out, turn on your heat. Next, go outside and watch your outdoor unit. If it runs while heating your home, you probably have a heat pump. On the other hand, if the outdoor unit stays off when heating, you likely have a furnace.
No Flames
Heat pumps don’t have flames. As a result, you won’t see a pilot light or smell gas. Consequently, if your heating doesn’t use gas or show flames, it’s probably a heat pump.
How Do I Know If I Have a Heat Pump? Check Your Bills
Look at your winter utility bills. If you only pay for electricity in winter (not gas), you might have a heat pump. Meanwhile, if you have both gas and electric bills in winter, you probably have a furnace.
Energy Usage Patterns
Heat pumps use electricity all year. Subsequently, your electric bill may be more even throughout the year.
Benefits of Heat Pumps in Las Vegas
Heat pumps are perfect for Las Vegas! To begin with, they work great in our mild winters. In addition, they cool very well in our hot summers.
Save Money
Heat pumps can save money on your bills. In comparison to gas furnaces, they often cost less to run. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat pumps can reduce electricity use by up to 50% compared to electric heating systems.
Help the Planet
By using a heat pump, you help the environment. Since they use less energy, they reduce pollution. Given that Las Vegas has so much sunshine, combining a heat pump with solar panels works very well!
Still Not Sure If You Have a Heat Pump?
If you’re still asking, “How do I know if I have a heat pump?” we can help! Doctor Heat Pump offers free system checks for Las Vegas homes. Visit our Heat Pump Maintenance Services page to learn more.
Or check out our Heat Pump vs. AC Comparison on our blog for more details.
Call Doctor Heat Pump Today!
In conclusion, knowing “how do I know if I have a heat pump” helps you care for your system better. You can check the outdoor unit, thermostat, how it works, and your bills for clues. Most importantly, heat pumps are great for Las Vegas homes because they save money and help the environment.
Still not sure? Contact us using our online form or call us today at 702-467-7236! As a result, you’ll know exactly what system you have. Subsequently, we can help you keep it running at its best. Finally, if you want to upgrade to a heat pump, we can help with that too!
Thank you for reading our guide from Doctor Heat Pump, your Las Vegas heat pump experts!
