How Do I Know if I Have a Heat Pump?

December 13, 2024

Understanding what type of heating and cooling system you have in your home is essential for proper maintenance and efficiency. If you’re unsure whether you have a heat pump, you’re not alone. Many homeowners aren’t familiar with the specific type of system they’re using. Here’s how to tell if your system is a heat pump and what makes it unique. Look at Your Outdoor Unit A heat pump often looks very similar to a standard air conditioner from the outside, which can cause confusion. However, a heat pump is capable of providing both heating and cooling, while an air conditioner only cools. To check if your system is a heat pump, look at the outdoor unit while your home is being heated. If the outdoor unit is running during heating mode, you likely have a heat pump. Check the Labels or Manual The manufacturer’s label or your system’s user manual can provide valuable insight. Most heat pumps will have a label or a model number that identifies them as a heat pump. Search for terms like “heat pump” or a model number that you can reference online. If you have trouble locating this information, your thermostat may also provide a...

View Article

Read More

Three Reasons Why Your Heat Pump Is Loud

November 18, 2020

In places with moderate climates like Burbank, CA, a heat pump is an energy-efficient way to maintain indoor comfort all year long. Most of the time, a properly installed heat pump operates quietly, and all you’ll hear is the whoosh of air in your vents and a click on and off at the start and end of a heating cycle. However, there are three reasons why your heat pump may be louder than usual on certain occasions. 1. Switch to Defrost Mode In the wintertime, your heat pump will occasionally go through defrost cycles. The purpose of the defrost cycle is to melt ice that has built up on the coils. The defrost cycle is noisier than a heating cycle. The sound should stop within 15 minutes. 2. Debris in Outdoor Housing Debris may have fallen into the outdoor unit’s housing. A tree branch, bird’s nest, or something else could be stuck in there. Each time the fan turns, it hits the debris. After the end of a heating cycle, power off the heat pump. Take a look to see if there’s debris stuck in the housing. If you can see it but can’t get to it, a service call...

View Article

Read More

Understanding the Core Differences Between Heat Pumps and Furnaces

March 14, 2019

If you’ve purchased a new home or you’re looking to upgrade the heating system that’s currently installed on your property, you should understand the differences between a heat pump and furnace, both of which are designed to provide for all of your heating needs. Once you know more about how these systems differ, you can decide which option is right for you. What Is a Heat Pump? A heat pump is a type of system that’s very similar to an air conditioner but with the added benefit of including a heating component. These systems can be placed in cooling mode during the summer, which allows them to operate as an air conditioner. A heat pump doesn’t create heat, which makes it very energy-efficient. Instead, these systems remove heat from the outside air before transferring it indoors, which is done with electricity. Heat pumps can also be zoned, which means that you can set the system to different temperatures for each room in your home. What Is a Furnace? A furnace is a system that makes use of fuel to create heat that’s circulated throughout the home. This heat can be created from such fuel sources as oil, gas or electricity....

View Article

Read More