Differentiating Heat Pumps from Split systems?

[Thomas Witt]

Hi all,

I'm a newbie inspector and non too happy with the training I got, so I'm trying to fill in with all the nice Nachi online courses. Here is one I'm still not sure on.

How do tell whether a system is a heat pump or a regular split system with condenser outside and furnace/air handler inside. Some heat pumps are clearly labeled as such and some aren't. One way to know is if the thermostat has an emergency heating mode then it's clearly a heat pump.

Other than that I've gotten mixed information. Thanks in advance for your
comments.

Tom

[rspermo]

Thomas,

You cannot depend on the thermostat because sometimes the wrong one was installed! Look in the compressor/condenser unit (normally outside) for the reversing valve. It is the part that changes the heat pump from summer to winter operations.

[Michael R. Boyett]

I agree and even some of the newer LCD t'stats don't have a mechanical switch on them for EM Heat. That function is programmable on the display. Look for the reversing valve, it's usually visible and obvious.

[Gary Farnsworth]

I have a 2004 Lennox heat pump system. A/C summer, heat in winter. Forced air gas furnace back-up. No valve like this on my system. Tag on upper furnace duct says heat pump system.

Key in your locations. Systems to your areas may be different.

[David A. Andersen]

Send some pictures.

You have to have a way to reverse refrigerant flow.

Thomas, you will also find a circuit board inside the electrical control compartment of the condensor if it is a HP.

[Frank P. Newman]

Originally Posted by twitt

How do tell whether a system is a heat pump or a regular split system with condenser outside and furnace/air handler inside. Some heat pumps are clearly labeled as such and some aren't.
Tom

I understand the question, but around here heat pumps are a "regular system". Other than looking for the reversing valve as mentioned above, in most cases you can also look up the model number on the manufacturer's web site.

[David A. Andersen]

Why look it up when you can look into the fan housingh and see it?