🏠 How to Identify What Type of HVAC System You Have — and What to choose the right AC replacement
When it’s time to replace your old heating and cooling system, the first question to answer is:
“What type of system do I currently have?”
Knowing this will help you (and your technician) choose the right AC replacement that matches your home’s setup, efficiency goals, and comfort needs.
In this post, we’ll explain how to identify your existing system and walk you through the three most common types used in Texas homes:
Heat Pump, Gas Furnace, and Dual Fuel System.
🔎 Step 1: How to Identify Your Existing System
Here are the most common signs that help you figure out what’s installed in your home:
1️⃣ Check your outdoor unit label.
Look at the data plate on your outdoor condenser.
- If it says “Heat Pump”, you have an all-electric system.
- If it says “Air Conditioner”, your home likely uses a gas furnace for heating.
2️⃣ Look inside your air handler or furnace closet.
- If you see burner tubes, a gas line, or a vent/flue pipe, it’s a gas furnace.
- If you see no gas pipe and only electrical connections, that’s a heat pump system.
3️⃣ Check your thermostat settings.
- If your thermostat has both “Heat” and “Emergency Heat” or “Aux Heat” modes, that’s a heat pump.
- If it simply switches between “Heat” and “Cool”, you likely have a gas furnace setup.
4️⃣ Ask your technician to check the refrigerant lines.
A heat pump runs refrigerant in both directions (for heating and cooling), while a regular AC only cools.
⚙️ System Types Explained
Now let’s break down what each system is made of and how it works.
🌬️ 1. Heat Pump System (All-Electric)
Main components:
- Outdoor Unit (Heat Pump) — contains a compressor and reversing valve to switch between heating and cooling.
- Indoor Air Handler — houses the blower motor, evaporator coil, and sometimes an electric heater for backup.
- Thermostat — controls both heating and cooling functions.
How it works:
In summer, the heat pump removes heat from your home and sends it outdoors.
In winter, it reverses the process — pulling heat from outside air and moving it inside.
Best for: Homes without a natural gas line or where electricity is more cost-effective.
🔥 2. Gas Furnace System (Gas + Electric Split System)
Main components:
- Outdoor Condenser (Air Conditioner) — provides cooling during summer.
- Indoor Furnace — burns natural gas to produce heat, includes a blower motor to circulate air.
- Thermostat — controls the furnace for heating and AC for cooling.
How it works:
The system uses electricity to power the air conditioner and natural gas to produce warm air in winter.
Warm air is distributed through the ducts using the same blower for both heating and cooling.
Best for: Homes with an existing gas line and those needing strong, fast heat during cold snaps.
⚡ 3. Dual Fuel System (Hybrid)
Main components:
- Outdoor Heat Pump Unit — provides efficient heating and cooling during mild temperatures.
- Indoor Gas Furnace — takes over when the outside temperature drops too low for the heat pump to work efficiently.
- Smart Thermostat or Control Board — automatically switches between electric and gas heating for maximum efficiency.
How it works:
The system uses the heat pump most of the time to save on energy costs, but when the temperature drops below a set point (usually around 35–40°F), it automatically switches to gas heat for more powerful output.
Best for: Homeowners who want the best of both worlds — energy savings and strong heating performance in all weather conditions.
🧠 Final Thoughts for choose the right AC replacement
If you’re planning AC replacement, knowing what type you have is the first step toward choosing the best new one.
Whether it’s an all-electric heat pump, a gas furnace, or a dual fuel hybrid, understanding the difference helps you make a smarter investment in comfort and efficiency.
💬 Need help identifying your system?
Our certified Bree HVAC technician can inspect your setup and recommend the right replacement options for your home — just book a free on-site estimate.
