If you’ve just moved into a new home, or you’ve simply never looked closely at your HVAC system, you might be wondering: How do I know if I have a heat pump? It’s a smart question to ask, especially when temperatures shift and you want to make sure your system is working efficiently year-round.

Minuteman Heating & Air is the leader in expert HVAC services in Roanoke, TX, and we often help homeowners figure this out. The good news is that you don’t need to be an HVAC system technician to tell the difference. Once you know what to look for, it’s pretty simple. Let’s walk through it together.

Why It Matters: Heat Pumps vs. Air Conditioners in Roanoke, Texas, Homes

In Roanoke, where summers are hot and winters can surprise us with a cold snap or two, understanding your HVAC setup can help you stay comfortable—and potentially save money on energy bills.

The main difference between a heat pump and a standard air conditioning unit is that a central air conditioner only cools your home, while a heat pump handles indoor heating and cooling through a single unit.

A heat pump works using a component called a reversing valve, which lets it reverse the flow of refrigerant and bring heat inside during cooler months.  

Step 1: Check Your Thermostat for Heat Pump-Specific Settings

“How do I know if I have a heat pump?” Your thermostat might be the fastest way to get a clue.

If the thermostat settings just say “Cool,” “Heat,” and “Off,” you likely have a standard air conditioner along with a furnace. 

However, if it also says “Auxiliary Heat” or “Emergency Heat,” you likely have a heat pump. Auxiliary heat kicks in when it’s too cold outside for the heat pump to work efficiently, while emergency heat mode allows you to bypass the heat pump entirely and rely on electric backup heat.

Step 2: Observe the Outdoor Unit Operation in Winter

Here’s a test you can do when it’s cool outside. Turn the thermostat to “Heat” mode and wait a few minutes. Then, step outside and listen to the outdoor unit. If the fan is spinning and the unit is humming, that means the outdoor system is running in heating mode. That’s a clear sign you have a heat pump. Standard outdoor cooling units don’t run in heating mode. 

Step 3: Look for the Reversing Valve

If you’re feeling curious and comfortable popping open your outdoor unit’s access panel, first turn the power off to the unit. Look for a brass or copper piece with three or four refrigerant lines attached. That’s the reversing valve, and it’s only found on heat pumps.

“How do I know if I have a heat pump?” You might also hear it in action. When switching between heating and cooling modes, the valve makes a whooshing or clicking sound. If you hear that, you’ve witnessed your heat pump switching directions, which is something an air conditioner simply can’t do.

Step 4: Look at the Unit’s Labels

Go back outside and check the manufacturer’s label on your HVAC unit. You might find these helpful heat pump identifications:

• “HP” in the model number (it stands for “heat pump”)
• Descriptions like “heating and cooling” or direct mentions of a reversing valve
• An owner’s manual that includes sections for auxiliary heat or dual-mode operation

Step 5: Monitor How Your System Behaves in Cold Weather

If it’s still the heating season, observe your HVAC system at work. Heat pumps will blow warm — but not hot — air. The ambient temperature of air at the vent is usually between 85 and 95°F. Also, if it’s really cold, your system may flash “Aux Heat” on the thermostat or automatically switch to emergency heat mode.

If you instead notice a separate furnace kicking on, you have a traditional air conditioner and furnace combo.