Strange gas furnace (furnaces, AC, heat, lights)

[Ghost Town]

Hello!
I am not an expert in HVAC systems so I decided to ask here.
I have two Carrier gas furnaces built in 1989 and they are still operational. Both have pilot lights that I have to fire manually.
The thing is that the downstairs unit behaves in a strange manner: once I turn the heat on it starts blowing the cold air in for 15-20 min. Only after that something kicks in and fire in the furnace starts.
And at that point the Aux light on the thermostat shows up.

At the same time the 2nd furnace (upstairs unit) starts immediately and it doesn't blow cold air in the beginning.

But what concerns me most is that the first unit constantly runs outside fan that is supposed to run only in summer. Right now it's 26F outside but it's running like crazy. I googled it and found out that it might work in a heat pump mode. But both units look the same and why only the first one runs in a heat pump mode? Is there a chance that the thermostat connections on the first unit are messed up for some reason and the outside fan runs in error? I don't think if it is doing any good. The upstairs unit works more efficiently. Seems like the outside fan only adds to my electric bill but it is useless in fact.

Has anyone seen situation like this? Is this normal?

Thanks in advance!

[btuhack]

Have a qualified outfit look at the systems. The fan probably isn't the only thing running outside and a bill from the contractor will probably be cheaper than ignored utilities consumption. Have it looked at simply due to age.

[K'ledgeBldr]

Sounds like a heat pump to me.

Search the model numbers of the condenser units on the internet- that will eliminate any and all doubt about the type of system(s) you have. As to how its functioning, that doesn't sound right but...

You probably should contact an HVAC contractor and have them do a service/checkup- it's cheap insurance because it's possible there could be damage being done.

[Ghost Town]

Thanks everyone! I am going to schedule a visit with a HVAC specialist.
Both AC units were recently inspected/serviced, but not the furnaces.