When temperatures take a chilly turn, your heat pump utilizes back-up functions to ensure your home receives consistent comfort. In this blog post, HVAC repair and replacement contractor Albert Air Inc. explains the differences between the auxiliary and emergency heat settings.
Auxiliary heat, often indicated as “aux heat” on your thermostat, is essentially a helping hand for your heat pump. In the simplest terms, it kicks in automatically when the heat pump alone can’t deliver enough warmth to reach your desired temperature setting. This usually occurs when outside temperatures are particularly cold and the heat pump can’t efficiently extract enough heat from the outdoors to warm your home.
Inside the heat pump are electric heating coils or a secondary heat source that comes to life as the auxiliary heat; it boosts the temperature inside your home temporarily until the desired comfort level is achieved. Once the temperature on the thermostat is reached, your system reverts back to using the heat pump as the primary source.
Heating and air conditioning service technicians recommend using the emergency heat in the event your heat pump fails entirely or when the temperature drops so low that the system might not function as effectively. This is usually set up manually, and when activated, it bypasses the heat pump, relying solely on the secondary heat source.
The heating coils provide the heating to your home until the entire system is fixed. However, keep in mind that it may not help your home reach your desired comfort levels. Emergency heating also utilizes electricity, and keeping it on for long periods can lead to a spike in your energy bills. If you find yourself needing to turn it on, make sure to schedule a service appointment with your HVAC technician.
Remember that routine maintenance and tune-ups can help ensure the long-term efficiency and performance of your heat pump. For top-notch HVAC services, no need to look up “air conditioning repair near me“: trust Albert Air Inc. Call us at (714) 526-6368, or fill out our contact form to request an estimate.