We have lived here four years, so do not know the age of the unit. Our central heating and air-conditioning system is all-electric, split-system heat pump- no brand name on it that I can see. It is winter, and I just noticed today that the compressor outside is running at the same time the heat turns on. I thought the compressor was just for the air-conditioning. The house heats up even with the compressor running. Am I a dope? Is this the way it is supposed to work? I really would appreciate a clue! Thanks for reading this, and hope you can tell me. I am very befuddled.

You have a heat pump, the air conditioner reverses refrigerant direction and is used to heat the home, sorry you're a dope. Lol just kidding.