What does "aux heat" and "Em Heat" on my thermostat mean?
EM heat is NOT the same thing as AUX heat: AUX heat signifies that your heat pump has automatically switched over to backup heating because temperatures are too low. EM heat is an option on your thermostat that you can manually turn on to activate backup heating.
What does it mean when nest says aux heat?
Select Heat Pump Balance then choose the setting you want. What does AUX heat mean on Nest thermostat? If the Nest thermostat is displaying “Aux Heat” instead of simply “Heat” when you are warming your home, it probably means that it is extremely cold outside and your heat pump is using a secondary heating source in order to keep your space warm.
What does it mean when auxiliary heat keeps coming on?
Often, the auxiliary heat is coming on because the temperature in the home is set too high. Perhaps you feel most comfortable in the mid-seventies, but the air outside is dipping below freezing. Your outdoor heat pump is unlikely to be able to hold up under these demands.
Is it bad if auxiliary heat comes on?
Unfortunately, using the auxiliary heat is significantly more expensive than using your heat pump. It may be more effective, but it comes with a specific cost that you might not be anticipating. If your heat pump for the auxiliary heat is always on, expect to see higher electric bills.
Is auxiliary heat more expensive?
As we mentioned above, AUX heat usually costs up to 50% more than heat transfer, which means if your system is running on AUX heat when it shouldn't be, your heating bill is likely going to be a lot higher than you'd like it to be.
Is heat on Aux bad?
Is AUX heat bad? The short answer is no. In fact, aux heat is a critical mechanism that keeps your heat pump properly running when the outdoor temperature drops. Since this type of unit doesn't work the same as a furnace, it can get cold.
How often should AUX heat come on?
When should my auxiliary heat come on? When outside temperatures drop below 40 degrees. While undergoing the defrost cycle. When there is a 3 degree difference or more in the current temperature in your home and the thermostat setting.
Is AUX heat emergency heat?
What Are Auxiliary Heat & Emergency Heat? Auxiliary Heat – This is the secondary heat source that turns on automatically. Emergency Heat – This is when you turn on the secondary heat source.
How long can auxiliary heat run?
By default, this time is set to five minutes. This means, if your aux heat is called upon and canceled immediately, it will still run for five minutes before shutting down. If you change the threshold settings, you can configure the minimum on time and save on electricity or heating oil.
How long does AUX heat stay on?
Auxiliary heat only turns on when your home needs warmth fast. It should only remain on for as long as it takes your home to reach the temperature on your thermostat. What is this? This shouldn't take much longer than 30 minutes.
Why is my auxiliary heat blowing cold air?
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. If the level is low, the heat pump cannot transfer heat efficiently.
How long should heat pump run before AUX heat comes on?
The thermostat automatically activates the auxiliary heating when the desired temperature is not met by the heat pump system alone. After either five, ten, or twenty minutes of your thermostat not reaching the set temperature, your thermostat automatically activates the auxiliary heat.
Why does thermostat say aux heat?
When you see the “aux” heat indicator on your thermostat it means your heat pump needed some help reaching the desired temperature. It turns on automatically when the temperature falls about two degrees below the desired setting and turns off automatically when the target temperature is reached.
Should heat pump and AUX heat run simultaneously?
The system is designed so that both can operate simultaneously. As long as the HP is producing some heat, it's more efficient to use the HP for whatever Btu's you can garner and allow the aux heat to be just that, auxiliary rather than primary.
What is the difference between heat and AUX heat?
Auxiliary heat uses electric resistance heating, which is much less efficient than your heat pump. Therefore, a heating system stuck in AUX heat will run up an energy bill. If you have a heat pump, it is best to increase your heat setting by only two degrees at a time to prevent your auxiliary heat from operating.
How long should it take to heat a house 2 degrees?
On average, once you turn on your furnace, it should take about an hour to increase indoor temperature by 1 degree. Afterwards, it's 45 minutes per degree.
Should I use AUX heat?
Cold Weather Causes Auxiliary Heat To Turn On Homeowners should expect auxiliary heat to turn on during colder temperatures, especially under 40 degrees. Your heat pump is an amazing appliance that can efficiently extract warmth from the outdoor air and transform it into cozy comfort inside your home.
Is AUX heat normal?
First off, AUX heat refers to your heat pump's auxiliary (backup) heat source. Auxiliary heat kicks on when your heat pump can't produce enough heat to warm your home by itself. AUX heat mode is normal when: The temperature outside is below freezing.
Why is my aux heat on?
Aux heat will kick on when your heat pump cannot deliver enough warmth to heat your home. Typically, your heat pump will energize the auxiliary heat strip inside your secondary heating source to help reach its set temperature faster.
Does AUX heat use more electricity?
Auxiliary heat uses electric resistance heating, which is much less efficient than your heat pump. Therefore, a heating system stuck in AUX heat will run up an energy bill. If you have a heat pump, it is best to increase your heat setting by only two degrees at a time to prevent your auxiliary heat from operating.
When AUX heat should turn on?
Auxiliary heating should only turn on in certain situations. We’ll cover the three most common below. If you find your AUX heat turning on outside of these situations consistently, your HVAC system likely needs repairs or maintenance.
How does auxiliary heat work?
The way auxiliary heat works is by using electric resistance to heat your home. This is much less efficient than using your heat pump. As a result, this inefficiency will lead to more expensive electricity bills.
What is auxiliary heat on a thermostat?
As just stated, it’s basically a supplement heat source to your heat pump. Auxiliary heating keeps your home warm when your heat pump isn’t able to do so on its own. It remains on until your house has been heated up to the desired temperature.
Why your auxiliary heat could be staying on?
If your auxiliary heat is staying on, it’s because your heat pump isn’t working as it should be. That could be happening because:
What is the difference between auxiliary heat and emergency heat?
A lot of people don’t really understand the difference between auxiliary heat and emergency heat. The difference is quite simple. When your heat pump breaks down, or it just isn’t working the way it’s designed to, a homeowner can switch to emergency heat. This will completely sidestep the heat pump and rely completely on the heat strips. Auxiliary heat on the other hand uses heat strips together with the heat pump to supplement the loss of heat.
Why does my heat pump turn on?
Your heat pump does this, because it detects that the inability to effectively move the heat from the outside to the inside of your home. Therefore, the heat strips turn and supply any extra heat that’s needed.
What temperature does auxiliary heat turn on?
However, when the outside temperature is 32° F or below , your auxiliary heat will usually turn on automatically. There are two main reasons as to why this may happen. In many situations, it’s a combination of both.
What is Auxiliary Heat?
Has your heat pump been stuck on aux heat mode as shown on the aux heat indicator on your thermostat? Perhaps your central heating system isn’t working as effectively as it should be? Finally, has your heating bill been outrageously high over the past month?
When Do You Not Want Auxiliary Heat On?
Basically, aux heat uses electric resistance heating as a secondary heat source to heat your home. Since electric resistance heating is much less efficient than your energy efficient heat pump, you only want it to be on when it's totally necessary.
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In addition to heat pump repair, Phyxter Home Services also does heating system installation and regular maintenance. So, if your heating system decides to bite the dust, let us professionally install a brand-new energy-efficient heat pump system for you.
How Does the Aux Heat Work?
Basically, when your heat pump detects it can’t heat up to reach the ideal temperature , it automatically energizes the aux “heat strip”. The heat strip is located inside your secondary heating source and helps your system reach warmer temperatures quickly. It’s like a boost to your heat pump.
What does AUX heat mean on a heat pump?
If you’ve noticed the words “aux heat” on your digital thermostat, this might help with your thermostat settings. This heat pump feature stands for auxiliary heat.
Why does my thermostat have aux heat?
The reason your thermostat has aux heat is that it indicates when gas or electric power has been triggered to help your heat pump reach a warm enough temperature when the weather outside is extremely cold. Unlike emergency heat settings which are run if your heat pump breaks, aux heat only kicks in when your heat pump can’t reach targeted settings and then turns off once the temperature is comfortable. It keeps your entire system running more efficiently while compensating when the heat pump just can’t provide enough heat quickly.
Why does my heat pump have an aux heat indicator?
As mentioned above, your aux heat indicator turns on when your heat pump can’t reach the ideal temperature setting. Aux heat offers some help for your heat pump. While it comes from the same source as emergency heat, it actually is designed to support your heat pump to become more efficient as opposed to taking over completely. So it doesn’t cost as much to run as your emergency heat.
How does aux heat work?
Your aux heat works in tandem with your secondary heat source and your home’s heat pump. Turning on emergency heat means you’re relying completely on the secondary heat source, which is a lot more expensive than running aux heat. Call a professional if your thermostat indicates aux heat is running even after outside temperatures reach 40 degrees ...
What does the AUX heat indicator mean?
If a heat pump is having a difficult time coming up to a certain temperature quickly due to extremely cold outdoor temperatures, the “aux heat” indicator means that a secondary heat source (generally gas or electric) has been deployed.
What Does It Mean on My Thermostat?
If your aux heat indicator is on, it means your heat pump needs a little help reaching its target temperature setting. Aux heat comes from the same heat source as emergency heat, but aux heat works together with your heat pump, so it’s less expensive than emergency heat. Typically, your heat pump will energize the auxiliary heat strip inside your secondary heating source to help reach its set temperature more quickly. Basically, if your heat pump is struggling to maintain its goal temperature, your aux heat will turn on and give your heat pump a boost.
Why does my heat pump need aux heat?
Typically, your heat pump will energize the auxiliary heat strip inside your secondary heating source to help reach its set temperature more quickly. Basically, if your heat pump is struggling to maintain its goal temperature, your aux heat will turn on and give your heat pump a boost. Your thermostat determines when the auxiliary heat gets ...
Can a heat pump be used in cold weather?
How to Use Your Heat Pump Thermostat Settings in Cold Temperatures. Both air exchange and ge othermal heat pumps aren’t as efficient during extremely cold weather. This is because heat pumps must work extra hard to get your home up to its set temperature (and to maintain that temperature).
The Basics of the Heat Pump
To better comprehend auxiliary heat, you need to have a detailed understanding of the electric resistance heat strip. When the climate condition is moderate and requires a reliable heating solution, the heat pump becomes the most efficient and reliable option available.
How Does a Heat Pump Work?
The heat pump works through heat transfer and heat absorption. Heat transfer is the cheapest and efficient mode of heating. When the pump cannot attain the heat level of heat required, it taps into its backup plan, the auxiliary heat. It varies from one homeowner to another. Some people use their auxiliary source as electrical resistance heating.
Auxiliary Heat on a Thermostat
Most people tend to wonder what auxiliary heat features on the thermostat. The reality is that this is the primary indication of heat supply. The fundamental responsibility is to transfer or to pump heat. When the temperature range falls below 32 degrees, the auxiliary heat turns on automatically. This is mainly caused by;
When Should You Be Concerned About Auxiliary Heat?
When the temperature in the outside environment begins to warm up and the auxiliary heat is still on, then there is a problem. At this point, you need to call in a certified professional to help you sort out the problem. The heat pump relies on the use of electric resistance to heat and cool your home.
How To Prevent the Heat Pump From Using the Auxiliary Heat Function
As stated earlier, when the auxiliary heat function is on, it consumes a lot of energy, thus leading to increased electricity bills. Having a function of managing this situation is essential, especially when it comes to energy bills. The tips discussed below can help you to manage the auxiliary heat function.
FAQs
Answer: Auxiliary heat uses electric resistance to warm the house when the temperature is too low. This indicates that it consumes more energy when compared to heat transfer. When your heat pump gets stuck to auxiliary heat, always know that your electricity bill is also skyrocketing.
Final Verdict
Auxiliary heat is a common term whenever you talk about the heat pump or any other mechanism of heating your home during cold weather. The term revolves around a wide variety of aspects revolving around the functionality of the heat pump. This article incorporates tons of information that helps you manage auxiliary heat on your heat pump.
What is auxiliary heat?
Basically, auxiliary heat uses electric resistance heating to heat your home. Since electric resistance heating is much less efficient than your heat pump, you only want it to be on when necessary. Otherwise, your auxiliary heat is working when it shouldn’t be and driving up the cost of your heating bill.
What Is Auxiliary Heat and What Does It Mean for Your Heater?
Has your heating system been stuck on aux heat? Perhaps your heating system isn’t working as effectively as it should be? Finally, has your heating bill been outrageously high over the past month? Thanks to our Aspire experts, you don’t have to wonder what is auxiliary heat and how to fix it. Hence, if you do have an aux heat issue, let us take care of it for you.
How to contact Aspire Heating and Cooling?
Are you looking for the right HVAC expert to be your new go-to resource? Call Aspire Heating & Cooling at 336-281-0047 and be on your way to improved indoor comfort in no time.
When should auxiliary heat be turned off?
Down here in the south, that should mostly happen at night and during the occasional snowstorm. However, if the weather is warmer and above the freezing level , your auxiliary heat should automatically turn off. If it doesn’t, then you’ve got a problem. So, don’t wait and run the risk of a complete system breakdown or a high heating bill. If your heating system is stuck on aux heat, call Aspire today.
Does Aspire do heating repairs?
In addition to heating repair, Aspire also does heating system installation and regular maintenance. Thus, if your heating system decides to bite the dust, let us professionally install a brand-new heating system for you. Lastly, the best way to prevent a system failure is with regular maintenance. This service allows us to regularly check your system and its equipment to ensure that everything is working efficiently. Therefore, stop the breakdowns before they happen with our fast and friendly routine maintenance. To learn more about any of our services or maintenance plans, call us at 336-936-9111. Keep your home heated this winter with the help of our professional mechanics.
What is auxiliary heat?
Auxiliary heat is a secondary heating function your thermostat automatically switches to when it’s too cold outside for your heat pump to extract warmth from the air. This type of heating is often triggered when the outdoor temperature drops to near or below-freezing temperatures.
What does the aux light on my thermostat mean?
An indicator on your thermostat should alert you when your heating has switched to auxiliary heat. This can be in the form of a small aux light or a digital reading that says “aux heat” on your display.
Why does my heat pump get iced?
This type of heating is also activated if your heat pump becomes covered in ice or snow. Ice can form when there is a problem with your heat strips, which work to keep your equipment defrosted. Another trigger could be low refrigerant levels or a malfunction in your outdoor motor fans.
How does a heat pump work?
A heat pump warms your home by pulling in heat from the outdoors, but it can also cool your home by expelling heat from your living space to the outside. Heat pumps don’t create heat or cold air by themselves. They transfer the warmth or coolness from one place to another.
How long does it take for an auxiliary heat to turn off?
Auxiliary heat should be a temporary setting and automatically turn off once your home warms up. Check back in 30 minutes or so to see if it has turned off on its own.
When does an auxiliary heat pump automatically turn off?
Auxiliary heat will automatically turn off when your home or environment has warmed up enough for your heat pump to function normally. Remember, your emergency heat is not automatic and will require you to physically turn it on and off.
When does an auxiliary heat pump kick on?
Auxiliary heat will kick on automatically when the outside temperature takes a sudden dip and your heat pump can’t keep up with warming your space. Emergency heat must be manually turned on.
