Most Fort Worth homeowners don’t know if they have a heat pump or a traditional air conditioning + gas furnace setup. It seems simple, but the difference changes everything. It affects repairs, maintenance, energy costs, comfort, and how your HVAC system behaves when the weather shifts. This guide gives you clear steps that help you identify your system in a few minutes, without guessing or pulling anything apart.
What Is a Heat Pump? (Simple Explanation)
A heat pump moves heat instead of creating it. The heat pump works by pulling heat from outside air and moving it indoors during winter. In summer, it works like a standard air conditioner, sending heat outdoors. A standard setup splits the job: the air conditioner cools and the gas furnace heats. North Texas uses many heat pumps because they handle mild winters well and run with strong efficiency all year.
How to Tell If You Have a Heat Pump
This section gives simple checks you can do in minutes. Each step is direct, clear, and based on how the HVAC system behaves.
1. Check Your Thermostat for “EM Heat” or “Aux Heat”
Look at your thermostat. If you see EM Heat, Aux Heat, or an emergency heat setting, you almost certainly have a heat pump system. These modes appear because heat pumps use backup heat when outdoor temps drop. Standard air conditioning systems do not show these options, because the gas furnace handles heating alone. This is the fastest way for most homeowners to find their answer.
2. Turn On the Heat and Watch the Outdoor Unit
Follow these steps:
- Set the thermostat to Heat.
- Wait about 3–5 minutes.
- Go outside and inspect the outdoor unit.
If the outdoor unit starts running, your unit is a heat pump. Heat pumps run outside even in heat mode because the system moves heat through the refrigerant lines. If the outdoor unit stays silent and still, you likely have a furnace + AC system. The air handler and furnace do the work indoors while the outdoor AC unit rests.
3. Look for the Outdoor Nameplate or Model Number
Walk to the outdoor HVAC unit and find the bright yellow energy guide label or the metal data plate. The plate has important information. It shows the model number and brand. It also includes details like the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) and the heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF).
A heat pump normally shows one of these markings:
- HP
- Heat Pump
- H in the model number
Older ac units may have faded stickers or rusted plates, so the label might be hard to read. If that happens, take a picture and zoom in.
4. Check the Reversing Valve Line on the Outdoor Unit
A heat pump has a reversing valve, which switches the refrigerant direction between heating and cooling mode. You can spot it by looking for an extra copper line branching off inside the cabinet. You don’t need to open the unit. Just look through the grille. If you see that extra line, the unit is a heat pump. Standard air conditioner units do not have this part.
5. Look for Dual-Fuel or Hybrid System Signs
Some Fort Worth homes use a dual-fuel setup, which combines a heat pump and a gas furnace. The furnace handles cold snaps while the heat pump covers mild temperatures.
Signs you might have a hybrid system include:
- The outdoor unit runs during mild winter days.
- The gas furnace only turns on during very cold nights.
- Your thermostat switches between modes without you doing anything.
This setup is common in North Texas homes because it balances comfort with energy savings.
Signs You Probably Have a Heat Pump Even If You’re Not Sure
A few clues can give you the answer fast:
- Your home has no gas furnace.
- Your utility bills show electric heating year-round.
- You hear the outdoor unit running on cold mornings.
- You see frost or steam from the outdoor unit when the system enters a defrost cycle.
These are everyday signs that the unit is a heat pump, even if you haven’t checked labels or parts.
When You Should Ask a Professional to Identify Your System
You should call a technician if your system is old, remodeled, mislabeled, or built into a custom installation. Some homes mix parts or keep old equipment when changing other components. A Comfort Experts tech can confirm what kind of system you have in minutes. The tech checks the outdoor unit, the air handler, the wiring, the model numbers, and the thermostat setup. They can also spot early repair issues while they’re there.
Why It Matters What System You Have
Knowing your system helps you plan repairs, understand maintenance needs, and manage energy costs. A heat pump runs longer cycles than a standard AC unit, so it needs different service checks. It uses different parts, carries different repair costs, and behaves differently based on outdoor temperatures. Fort Worth weather shifts fast, so the right system knowledge helps you understand how your heating and cooling system should perform. This also matters when planning repairs, upgrades, or full replacement.
Common Problems Heat Pump Owners Should Watch For
Heat pump problems show up in simple ways:
- Short cycling
- Weak heat
- Ice buildup
- High energy bills
- Loud noises
- Not switching modes
If you identify your system as a heat pump and notice any of these issues, call Comfort Experts.
FAQ
Do all thermostats show “EM Heat”?
No. Only thermostats connected to a heat pump system show EM Heat or Aux Heat.
Does a heat pump look different from an AC?
No. They look the same. The difference is how they operate in heat mode.
Can I have both a heat pump and a furnace?
Yes. That setup is a dual-fuel or hybrid system.
Is a heat pump better than a regular AC?
It depends on your home and climate. Many Fort Worth homes run heat pumps well because winters are mild.
What should I do if my heat pump won’t switch to heat?
Turn the system off and call Comfort Experts for diagnostics.
Need Help Identifying Your System? Comfort Experts Can Handle It
We diagnose your HVAC system fast. We confirm if your unit is a heat pump, a hybrid setup, or a traditional AC + furnace. We repair failing heat pumps, replace old units, and install new high-efficiency systems that fit your home. Comfort Experts delivers HVAC service with AC Genius precision and unmatched customer care.
