How do I know if my home loan is a refinance or home equity?

[steven-pittsburgh]

Typically a home refinance loan is for the full balance of the mortgage.

Whereas a Home Equity Loan is a loan that uses the equity you have in the home to secure that loan. 

Equity = the amount you have paid off or the value that the home has increased above your purchase price.

Home Equity Loan is typically for an amount smaller than your mortgage and usually, it is a separate payment unless your house is already paid off.