Heat Pump vs. Furnace in Phoenix: What Homeowners Should Know This Winter

First, what do you have: heat pump or furnace?

Many Valley homes use heat pumps. A simple clue: on a cool morning, if your outdoor unit is running while the system is heating, there is a good chance you have a heat pump. Furnaces typically heat without needing the outdoor unit.

If your thermostat ever shows “Aux Heat,” that is typically backup electric resistance heat used with many heat pump systems. It costs more to run than normal heat pump heating, per Lennox.

Why heat pumps can feel different than furnaces

Heat pumps usually deliver a gentler, steadier heat than a gas furnace. The air coming from vents may feel cooler than you expect, even when the system is working correctly. Scottsdale AC Pros’ winter comfort team can show you how we balance heat pump comfort with efficient airflow on our Scottsdale HVAC services page.

You may also occasionally see steam rising from the outdoor unit in winter. During a defrost cycle, that can be normal water vapor as the unit clears frost, per Lennox.

Thermostat settings that save energy without causing problems

The U.S. Department of Energy notes you can save as much as about 10% per year by setting your thermostat back 7°–10°F for 8 hours a day, according to Energy.gov.

In Phoenix, those savings can be real, but heat pumps deserve one extra note: big temperature jumps can trigger more Aux Heat in some systems. If you have a heat pump, keep setbacks modest and let the thermostat recover gradually, especially in the morning, per Lennox.

APS also recommends that if you have electric heat, you can save in winter by setting the thermostat to 60° or lower while you are away from home, per APS.

February checklist for Phoenix homeowners

• Change the filter: A clogged filter restricts airflow and makes any system work harder.
• Clear vents and returns: Move rugs or furniture that block airflow.
• Check the outdoor unit: Remove leaves and debris and keep space around it for airflow.
• Watch for Aux Heat: If it runs often, it may be a settings issue or a performance issue.
• Listen for changes: New buzzing, rattling, short cycling, or weak airflow is worth addressing early.

What a professional tune-up should include

A real maintenance visit should go beyond “it turns on.” Scottsdale AC Pros follows ENERGY STAR’s checklist, verifying thermostat settings, tightening electrical connections and measuring voltage/current, lubricating moving parts, and checking overall operation. ENERGY STAR provides the same guidance for thorough tune-ups.

Scheduling maintenance in late winter with Scottsdale AC Pros is a smart move in Phoenix. It helps you avoid surprises and sets your system up to handle the first stretch of spring heat.