
Your Google Nest thermostat will use Wi-Fi to check the outdoor weather conditions near your home. When the weather outside gets colder than your lockout temperature, your thermostat will start using AUX heat. So you won’t need to set a lockout temperature yourself, your Nest thermostat will set one for you.
How many settings are there for a AUX thermostat?
Why do people use the Nest app?
What does it mean when no wire is present in a heat pump?
Why does my heat pump kick in?
Can you change the lockout temperature on Nest thermostat?
Do you have to connect a Nest thermostat to Wi-Fi?
Can you use AUX heat instead of a heat pump?
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About this website
Is it normal for AUX heat to come on?
It's normal for AUX heat to turn on when your heat pump needs to heat the home quickly. If you're feeling chilly in the morning, for example, the secondary heat system can help to warm you up. This system turns on automatically, so don't be surprised if it comes on during the night.
Why does my thermostat keep saying 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.
Why is my heat on AUX heat?
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.
How do I get my thermostat off auxiliary heat?
It's, unfortunately, not possible to manually shut off auxiliary heat. But it only turns on when your home needs warmth fast. So if you don't let the temperature drop quickly in your house, it won't come on. That's why the best strategy for solving this problem is to focus on regulating the temperature in your home.
How do you turn off auxiliary heat on nest?
How to Turn off Aux Heat on Nest ThermostatOpen your Google Home app.Select the Nest thermostat.Click “Settings”, “thermostat”, then “Emergency Heat.”Select “OFF.”
How long should auxiliary heat run?
The manufacturer advises keeping the minimum on time to 300 seconds to prevent the system from short cycling.
Does AUX heat cost more?
Does Auxiliary Heat Cost More to Run? The auxiliary heat setting is more energy and cost-efficient than emergency heat. In aux mode, your heat pump will continue to use outside air to warm your home to assist the secondary heat source.
Is AUX heat the same as emergency heat?
The difference between auxiliary heat and emergency heat is simply the name. Both forms of heat are the exact same heat elements but are labeled differently.
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 the same as emergency heat?
The difference between auxiliary heat and emergency heat is simply the name. Both forms of heat are the exact same heat elements but are labeled differently.
Should heat pump and AUX heat run simultaneously?
In a package system the heat pump may run simultaneously with the AUX heat. This is allowable because the indoor coil (condenser in the heating mode) is upstream of the AUX heating elements.
Why is the Aux light on my thermostat?
“Aux” is short for auxiliary heat. 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.
Nest thermostat is constantly running heat : r/Nest - reddit
I just installed a Nest thermostat and notice that it's constantly running heat overnight (and sometimes during the day if it's cool enough outside).
Reddit - Dive into anything
I recently installed a 3rd generation Nest. The old carrier TSTAT HP 01B had connections at W1, Y, G, R, O, and C. It is set up as dual fuel , with an electric Carrier heat pump and an electric Carrier fancoil with 15kw heat strips.
Auxilliary Heat Lockout Temperature Setting - DoItYourself.com ...
Heat Pumps and Electric Home Heating - Auxilliary Heat Lockout Temperature Setting - I am new to this forum and not too knowledgeable about heat pumps. So please excuse my lack of the proper terminology and even a general understanding of how they are supposed to work. By way of background information, I recently moved
How to Turn On the Heat With a Nest Thermostat - Alphr
However, there may be times when your Nest Thermostat doesn’t activate when you want it to. That means you need to know how to turn on the heat manually so you’re not sitting around in the cold.
What is Aux Heat? Everything to Know About Auxiliary Heat
What Does Auxiliary Heat on My Thermostat Mean? Did you recently wake up on a freezing cold morning to pour yourself a hot cup of coffee, only to walk by your digital thermostat and see the words “Aux Heat” flashing on the read-out?
What Does Aux Heat Mean?
Auxiliary heat on your thermostat refers to your backup heating system within your heat pump, otherwise known as electric resistance heating. Your thermostat inside your house is actually what determines when the auxiliary heat gets turned on.
Why does my heat pump have aux heat?
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. Aux heat will kick on when your heat pump cannot deliver enough warmth to heat your home.
Why does my thermostat keep auxiliary heat on?
Newer thermostats may cause the auxiliary heat to come on more quickly than older ones. If the temperature does not pick up within the first few minutes, many of the new models will prompt the aux heat setting.
Why is my thermostat stuck on aux heat?
As we’ve talked about before, this is because their HVAC system simply can’t keep up with a reasonable demand to heat the home. This is a serious issue that will likely need to be seen by an experienced HVAC technician.
What does it mean when a heat pump is on?
If you see the indicator is on, it means your heat pump’s electric resistance heating is activated.
Why is emergency heat only used in emergencies?
Having emergency heat on can, and will be, more expensive to run. This is why it is only used in an emergency situations.
When is the best time to have your heating system inspected?
Before the winter season really begins, it is best to schedule a time to have your heating system inspected and tuned up. Early fall is a great time to make sure that all of your moving components are in working order, air filters are changed, and that your heat source itself does not need any major repairs.
Why does my AUX heat turn on?
AUX heat can turn on when the heat pump alone isn't working fast enough, it's too cold outside, or your heat pump needs to defrost.
Why does my Nest thermostat adjust the temperature?
This is supposedly because AUX heat will be needed to warm up your home when you get up in the morning. But the Nest thermostat learns how quickly your home heats and cools, so it can adjust the temperature while you sleep to minimize AUX heat use to warm up your home in the morning.
Why is my heat pump not working on my Nest thermostat?
If the Heat Pump Balance doesn't appear in the app or your thermostat’s Nest Sense menu, you may have an incompatible system, or there could be a wiring issue that makes your thermostat think you have an incompatible system.
What happens if the heat pump is off?
Your heat may still turn on early, and your lockout temperature will be between the temperature used for Max Savings and Max Comfort. Off: If Heat Pump Balance is off, your thermostat will use your AUX heat based on a lockout temperature that you set.
What is a heat pump balance?
Heat Pump Balance lets you select a level of comfort and energy savings that you like: more comfort, more savings, or a balance between the two. You can change this option any time in the Nest Sense menu. No matter which setting you choose, Heat Pump Balance monitors how efficiently your heat pump is working, the current weather, ...
What is an auxiliary heat pump?
Auxiliary (AUX) heat is a second source of heat that comes with some heat pump systems. Heat pumps are the main source of heat most of the time, but they aren't efficient when it's very cold outside. Your system can use AUX heat to help keep you comfortable in harsh weather or to help change the temperature in your home quickly.
What happens if you don't have a wire in the thermostat?
Important: Do not touch the wires in your thermostat while you check them. Pull off your thermostat’s display. If there’s no wire in the O/B connector, your system is not configured as a heat pump. If you don’t have a wire in the W2/AUX connector, you don’t have AUX heat. Heat Pump Balance controls AUX heat.
Why does my Nest say it's heating?
Nest might say it’s heating when there’s an issue with your HVAC system. The flame sensor may be dirty or faulty, prompting you can clean or replace it. There could be a wiring issue between your Nest and HVAC system. Lastly, it’s possible your Nest needs additional power going to it in the form of a C wire or Nest Power Connector.
How to connect C wire to Nest thermostat?
If this is the case, either uncap or strip the wire to reveal the copper. Then, insert it in the C terminal on your Nest’s base plate. Make sure to press the connector tab firmly down.
How to tell if Nest connector is inserted?
Check that all of the connector tabs with inserted wires are pressed firmly down. If the tab isn’t down, Nest can’t recognize the wire .
What wires go into a thermostat?
The wires going to the thermostat are another R wire and another W/Y wire. Insert these wires into the wire connectors provided—R in one connector and W/Y into the second. Insert the corresponding thermostat wires into the connectors (i.e. R from the thermostat in the same connector as R from the power connector.)
Why does my thermostat blow cold air?
Occasionally, users switch the heating and cooling wires. In this case, cold air might blow when your thermostat says it’s heating.
Why is there a delay in my HVAC system?
If a system turns off and on frequently, the lifespan is shortened. The delay, which should only be a few minutes, is there to prevent excessive wear on the unit. So really, this delay is coming from your HVAC system, not Nest.
Where to install Nest power connector?
Before installing the Nest Power Connector, perform any necessary updates to your Nest thermostat. Install the power connector to the furnace or air handler for homes with only one thermostat. Install the power connecter at the zone controller for homes with a zoned system.
What is auxiliary heat?
Using Auxiliary Heat with a Nest Thermostat. If you have a central HVAC (heating / ventilation / air conditioning) system called a "heat pump", and live in an area where the temperature in the winter goes below about 50°F (or 10°C) then you probably have something called "emergency heat" or "auxiliary heat". The two different names refer ...
What is the lockout setting on Nest thermostat?
But on the Nest Thermostat itself, the term "Lockout" is not used, instead you see " Use the heat pump compressor when the outdoor temperature is above " . This wording is ambiguous because it sounds like you are telling it that it should " always use the compressor..." above that temperature, or perhaps you are telling it that it " may sometimes use the compressor" above that temperature. In practce I have found that the second interpretation ( may sometimes) is accurate.
How does a heat pump circulate in summer?
In summer, the heat pump circulates in one direction, causing the refrigerant vapor to be compressed just before travelling through the outdoor heat exchanger , where heat is released; then through the bottleneck value (making the refrigerant cold) and then through the indoor heat exchanger (where the indoor air gets cooled).
How does a heat pump work?
In normal operation, a heat pump works like an air conditioner: a compressible vapor with low boiling point (like freon) is forced through a cycle that includes a compresser, a cooling heat exchanger (a bunch of radiator fins), a bottleneck valve (serving as a pressure-release point), and a warming heat exchanger.
How does a solenoid valve work in winter?
In winter, solenoid-actuated valves reverse the circulation pattern, so that the compressed vapor goes immediately to the indoor heat exchanger to release heat into the indoor air, then through the bottleneck valve and the outdoor heat exchanger, where the relatively-colder refrigerant is warmed by the not-quite-so-cold outdoor air. You're "air conditioning the outdoors", cooling the air outside in order to warm the house.
What does it mean when a fan is not turning on?
HEAT" or "EMERGENCY HEAT". It should turn on the fan and after a minute or two you should feel distinctly warm air coming out of the vents. If the fan does not turn on, stop the test immediately. Electric heating coils will overheat, burn out or cause damage if the fan isn't going.
What is the next screen on a heat pump?
Next screen is "Your System", which should read: "heat pump heating", ("auxiliary heating" or "emergency heat"), "heat pump cooling", "fan". (If you don't see this, these instructions don't apply to you.) Select CONTINUE.
Can a heat pump blow cool air?
When it gets quite cold out, my heat pump can do nothing but blow cool air unless Aux heat activates. I can manually force it to kick in by turning the heat up a few degrees, then back down to the desired temp once it kicks in. As long as there is a spread of 4+ degrees it will turn on.
Does a heat pump balance raise the outside temperature?
heat pump balance doesn't seem to do anything other than raise the outside temp level that the aux heat is able to kick in. Aux heat still doesn't start until the difference between set temp and current temp is 4 degrees. So while the heat does turn on at a 2 degree difference, it will blow cool air from that point until the 4 degree swing is met.
Does a heat pump run AUX?
My heat pump will now always run AUX heat whenever the outside temp is below 30, use assisted AUX heat from 30-40, and use only the compressor above 40.
How many settings are there for a AUX thermostat?
There are four settings for you to choose from, but only two of them are designed to truly maximize energy efficiency and use less AUX heat.
Why do people use the Nest app?
Most people prefer to use the Nest app to adjust the settings because it doesn’t require getting off the couch.
What does it mean when no wire is present in a heat pump?
If no wire is present then you don’t have AUX heat which means that the Heat Pump Balance isn’t available.
Why does my heat pump kick in?
If the heat pump ices over, AUX heat will kick in more often, in order to compensate and raise the temperature to the desired levels.
Can you change the lockout temperature on Nest thermostat?
Setting the lockout temperature is important if you want to minimize the use of AUX heat. You can change it from the Nest app or from your thermostat.
Do you have to connect a Nest thermostat to Wi-Fi?
You don’t have to connect your Nest thermostat to your Wi-Fi network. It will still work properly but you won’t be able to use and configure the Heat Pump Balance feature.
Can you use AUX heat instead of a heat pump?
Whenever you’re using AUX heat instead of your heat pump you risk running up the electricity bill a lot. Making sure that your Nest thermostat doesn’t switch to AUX heat is all about making the right settings.

Overview
- Nest thermostat Heat Pump Balance settings are for systems that have a heat pump and auxilia…
Heat Pump Balance lets you select a level of comfort and energy savings that you like: more comfort, more savings, or a balance between the two. You can change this option any time in the Nest Sense menu.
Learn more about Heat Pump Balance details
- If Heat Pump Balance is enabled, you don't have to worry about the lockout
temperature. Just choose whether you want more comfort or more savings, - and the Nest thermostat will learn to adjust your lockout temperature as
needed.
How to change Heat Pump Balance settings
- You can change Heat Pump Balance settings from the Nest Sense menu on your thermostat or …
To use Heat Pump Balance, your thermostat must also be connected to Wi-Fi. If it isn't, you can use Early-On which is a similar feature, but your thermostat won't take specific measures to avoid expensive AUX heating. - Note: If you have a heat pump with AUX heat:
• How early your system will start cooling your home is determined by Early-On.
Auxiliary (AUX) heat
- Auxiliary (AUX) heat is a second source of heat that comes with some heat pump systems. Hea…
Heat pumps are very efficient compared to most other heating systems, but they take longer to heat your home the colder it gets outside. So heat pumps are sometimes paired with powerful AUX heat, which is much less efficient but can heat your home quicker. - AUX heat can turn on when the heat pump alone isn't working fast enough, it's too cold outside, …
Lockout or Breakpoint temperatures
Troubleshoot missing Heat Pump Balance settings
- If the Heat Pump Balance doesn't appear in the app or your thermostat’s Nest Sense menu, you …
• If your system blows air through vents in your home, you have a forced air system, but you may not have a heat pump. If your forced air system doesn't have a heat pump, your system will use Early-On instead. - • If your floors warm up to heat your home or you have radiators, True Radiant will appear as an …
• If you have a Nest Thermostat, you’ll find this option under Early-On.