When most homeowners first notice the heat pump emergency heat setting on their thermostat, many assume it’s a powerful backup feature for extreme cold. Some even think switching that setting on will provide an extra boost of warmth during frigid, freezing weather. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. Misusing emergency heat can double or even triple your heating costs! Understanding how your heat pump operates, when to use emergency heat, and when to call for heat pump repair service can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and keep your home comfortable all winter.
What is Heat Pump Emergency Heat?
Most heat pump systems have two heating sources:
- The heat pump itself is an energy-efficient system that transfers heat from outside air, even in cold weather, into your home.
- Backup electric resistance heating coils inside your system work similarly to the glowing red wires inside your toaster. They provide additional heat when necessary.
The emergency heat setting—sometimes called auxiliary heat or “Em. Ht.” on small thermostat screens—completely turns off the regular heat pump and forces your home to rely only on the backup electric coils. These coils are much less efficient than your heat pump, consuming up to three times more energy to produce the same level of warmth.
Unless your heat pump has stopped working, using emergency heat is unnecessary and will skyrocket your electric bill.
When Does a Heat Pump Switch to Emergency Heat?
While the thermostat offers manual control, your heat pump will automatically use its backup heating coils if and when necessary. This will most likely only occur when:
- Outside temperatures drop quickly and significantly, and the heat pump alone cannot keep up.
- The system enters defrost mode to prevent ice buildup on the outdoor unit.
- Your home’s indoor temperature drops below the thermostat setting, triggering the auxiliary heat to help out.
Although it may not be typical and depends on weather conditions, the emergency heat process is normal and built into your thermostat and heat pump’s programming. The system maximizes energy efficiency by using only the right amount of auxiliary heat when necessary.
When Should You Turn On Your Emergency Heat?
There’s really only one reason to manually turn on a heat pump’s emergency heat setting from your thermostat: if your system isn’t working correctly and needs repairs.
If your heat pump stops producing warm air or won’t turn on, manually switching to emergency heat mode on your thermostat can keep your home warm until a Precision Comfort Systems technician can diagnose and fix the issue.
Think of the emergency heat setting as a backup plan for a malfunctioning heat pump—not something to use just because it’s cold outside. Turning on your emergency heat unnecessarily can increase energy costs by two to three times, making it one of the most expensive heating mistakes homeowners make.
Fact vs. Fiction: Clearing Up Common Myths About Emergency Heat
Let’s clear the (warm) air and settle the debate over some common myths and misconceptions homeowners may have about heat pumps’ emergency heat.
- Myth: “Emergency heat makes my home warmer faster.”
- Truth: Switching a heat pump to emergency heat does not provide extra heating power. It simply disables the heat pump and forces your system to run on its more expensive and less efficient backup electric coils.
- Myth: “I should switch to emergency heat when temperatures drop below freezing.”
- Truth: Even in subzero temperatures, your heat pump can draw warmth from outside air and is still more efficient than electric resistance heat. Your system will automatically use backup emergency heat when necessary.
- Myth: “Emergency heat helps prevent my heat pump from overworking and wear and tear.”
- Truth: Heat pumps are resilient and can run continuously for extended periods in cold weather. Shutting off the heat pump and using only backup emergency heat wastes energy and is much more expensive.
Emergency Heat Crisis? Precision Comfort Systems to the Rescue
For everyday winter heating, trust your heat pump to do its job. If you’re feeling chilly, turn up your thermostat by a degree or two, but avoid significant adjustments and resist the temptation to hit the Em. Ht. button. It’s a surefire way to spike your next energy bill.
If your heat pump isn’t keeping up, is covered in ice that won’t defrost, or you suspect any problems, reach out online or call Precision Comfort Systems at (317) 867-2665 for expert maintenance or heat pump repairs. We’ll diagnose any issues and make sure your system is efficiently operating so you stay warm without extra, unnecessary costs.