Should I use auxiliary heat or emergency heat?

I guess the only difference is that AUX is an 'indicator' on your thermostat that you are running the heat strips when the switch is set to HEAT. Emergency Heat is just the switch setting that will turn off the heat pump and only run the auxiliary heat. Emergency Heat Indicator only when in Em. Heat Mode.

Similarly one may ask, at what temperature should auxiliary heat come on?

Auxiliary Heat. Auixiliary Heat will turn on automatically when heat can no longer efficiently transfer heat from the outside air to heat pump. This is when the outside is around 35-40 degrees and the indoor temperature is around three degrees cooler than the thermostat setting.

Also, when should you use emergency heat? When to use emergency heat Use emergency heat only if your heat pump isn't heating your home at all. That'll keep you warm until a professional heat pump contractor can come repair it.

Also asked, why is the auxiliary heat coming on?

Auxiliary heat is the electric heat strip in your air handler that is supplemental heat. Auxiliary heat/ Emergency heat help the heat pump keep up when cold outside or the temperature differential on the thermostat is large. Auxiliary heat/emergency heat will come on when the heat pump is in defrost.

Is auxiliary heat more expensive?

Auxiliary heat can handle more extreme temperatures since it uses electric heat strips. What this means, unfortunately, is that it's more expensive than the conventional heat provided by a heat pump. While a gas furnace is not as efficient as a heat pump, it is more efficient than a heat pump using auxiliary heat.

35 Related Question Answers Found

Is it normal for AUX heat to come on?

Aux heat should only kick on when the heat pump can't produce enough heat to warm your home on its own. This is typically caused by one of three factors: when it's below 35° outside, you're trying to heat your home by 3° or more, or your heat pump is in defrost mode.

Can I turn off auxiliary heat?

Because auxiliary heat is so expensive, running the heat pump longer can be cheaper than using AUX heat. Heat Pump Balance can automatically turn the heat on early to reduce AUX heat use as much as possible and get to your target temperature on time.

Why is my furnace blowing cold air instead of heat?

Your furnace may be blowing cold air because the filter is too dirty. A dirty air filter blocks airflow over the furnace's heat exchanger, causing it to overheat. When overheating, your furnace can trip a high limit switch, causing the furnace burners to shut off so that the heat exchanger does not crack.

Why is my auxiliary heat blowing cold air?

Due to their design, heat pumps blow colder air than gas and electric furnaces. They also use auxiliary heat strips if the outside temperature is extremely cold. If these strips malfunction, the heat pump will blow cold air. Just like in the summer, the system requires the proper level of refrigerant.

How do I know if I have 2 stage cooling?

How Do I Know If I Have a Single Stage or Multi-Stage Heating System?

Check your thermostat for variable heat settings, such as low and auxiliary heat.
Locate the model number of your furnace, either by checking in the product manual or by looking directly on the front of furnace or inside the front panel.

At what temperature do heat pumps become ineffective?

If you are impatient, I won't make you wait; heat pumps don't work well below 25-30 degrees Fahrenheit. But what you might not know is that the heat pump temperature range is broader than most people think, and with the addition of supplemental heating it can work even in the chilliest of temperatures.

Is it cheaper to leave heat pump on all day?

According to Energywise, you shouldn't leave your heat pump on all day. As the weather gets colder, it might be tempting to leave your heat pump on all day. Hoerning said heat pumps are the most efficient way of using electricity to heat your home, but there are many ways people could use them more efficiently.

How do you reset your heat pump?

Reset the system by turning it off with the thermostat or breaker if your unit has a safety device locking it out. Wait 60 seconds and turn it back on. It may take up to 10 minutes for the outdoor unit to start.

Is it normal for a heat pump to run constantly?

Most heat pumps will run constantly during the cold weather. This means that it is normal for your heat pump to be running constantly during winter when the temperatures are at or below 30 degrees. However, if the heat pump is running constantly in the cooling mode during the summer, then there could be a problem.

Why does my heat keep turning on and off?

This is most common cause of short cycling. A dirty air filter restricts air from getting into your furnace. Your furnace's heat exchanger needs that air blowing over it or it overheats, causing the furnace to shut down. Change (or wash, if you have a washable type) your air filter if it's dirty.

Do all heat pumps have auxiliary heat?

When outside temperatures drop too low to allow the heat pump to extract heat from the frigid air, some systems switch on a backup heating system to supply the rest of the heat needed to reach the desired temperature inside. While some heat pumps have that auxiliary heating capability, others do not.

Does outside unit run on heat?

Heat Pump Operation

Therefore, when you run the furnace in the winter, the outside unit should not run as it only functions as part of your air conditioning system. Refrigerant absorbs heat from the outside air and moves it indoors with the help of a reversing valve and multiple check valves.

How do I know if my heat pump is working properly?

The fastest way to determine whether you have a heat pump or not is to turn the heat on at your thermostat. Once you feel hot air coming through your vents, walk outside and see if the outdoor unit is running. You see, a heat pump is an air conditioner that can also provide heat during the winter.

How does auxiliary heat work?

Auxiliary heat is a heating system that works when the temperature inside a home or building drops lower than two or three degrees from what the temperature is set. Or when someone decides they are cold, and turns the thermostat up more than three degrees. Auxiliary heat is a component of heat pump systems.

Why is my heat pump not blowing hot air?

1) Low refrigerant charge

The heat pump needs refrigerant to transfer heat. Here's the problem: If your heat pump is low on refrigerant, it's having a hard time transferring enough heat into your home to warm the air properly. The fix: Call a heat pump technician to check your refrigerant charge.

What temperature should I set my heat pump in the winter?

Set your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter

According to ENERGY STAR, setting your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) when you're home is the ideal balance of comfort and energy efficiency.

What does AUX heat mean on Honeywell thermostat?

"Auxiliary heat" means the secondary heating source. You have the thermostat set to keep your maximum temperature at a certain point, at which the device providing heat turns off. Your thermostat has two possible heat sources, a main and an auxiliary. It depends on how the unit was wired which heat source is which.