When Should You Use Emergency Heat? ?
As temperatures drop, you may notice an “Emergency Heat” setting on your thermostat. But when should you actually use it? At Air Comfort Services, we want to help you stay warm without unnecessary costs. Let’s break it down! ?
?? What is Emergency Heat?
Emergency heat (or “auxiliary heat”) is a backup heating source that kicks in when your heat pump can’t efficiently pull warmth from the outside air. It usually involves electric resistance heating, gas, or oil, which can be much more expensive to run than your standard heat pump. ??
Many homeowners mistakenly believe that switching on emergency heat will warm their home faster. However, this setting is not designed for regular use and should only be activated when absolutely necessary. Using it incorrectly can cause your energy bills to skyrocket and put unnecessary strain on your HVAC system. Understanding when and why to use emergency heat can help keep your home comfortable without breaking the bank.
? When Should You Use Emergency Heat?
? Your Heat Pump is Malfunctioning
If your heat pump isn’t working due to a mechanical failure, emergency heat will keep your home warm until a professional can fix it. ??
? Extreme Cold Weather (Rarely in Tennessee!)
In below 20°F temps, your heat pump may struggle to keep up. If your home isn’t staying warm, you may need to switch to emergency heat temporarily. ???
? Ice Buildup on Your Outdoor Unit
If your heat pump’s outdoor unit is covered in ice and won’t defrost, emergency heat can step in while you schedule a service call. ???
? Power Outages Affecting Your Heat Pump
Sometimes, power surges or temporary outages can impact your heat pump’s efficiency. If your heat pump isn’t recovering after a power outage, emergency heat may be necessary while troubleshooting the issue.
? When NOT to Use Emergency Heat
? As a Regular Heating Source – Emergency heat is for short-term use only. Running it constantly will skyrocketyour energy bills! ??
? Just Because It’s Cold – Your heat pump is designed for cold weather! Unless it completely fails, emergency heat is unnecessary. ???
? Without Checking for Issues First – Before switching to emergency heat, check for tripped breakers, airflow restrictions, or dirty filters first. ??
? If Your Heat Pump is Functioning Properly – If your heat pump is running but struggling to keep up, resist the temptation to switch to emergency heat. Instead, consider other ways to retain heat in your home, like sealing drafts, closing unused rooms, and layering up.
? How to Reduce the Need for Emergency Heat
To avoid relying on emergency heat, follow these energy-saving tips:
?? Schedule Regular Maintenance – Routine tune-ups ensure your heat pump runs at peak efficiency. Our technicians can identify potential problems before they become costly repairs. ??
?? Improve Home Insulation – Proper insulation reduces heat loss and helps your HVAC system maintain a steady temperature, even in colder weather.
?? Use a Programmable Thermostat – Setting your thermostat to an optimal temperature range prevents excessive strain on your heat pump. Keeping it at 68°F in winter can balance comfort and efficiency. ??
?? Keep Your Air Filters Clean – Dirty filters restrict airflow, making your heat pump work harder. Change your filters regularly to ensure smooth operation.
?? Check for Drafts – Seal any gaps around windows and doors to prevent cold air from seeping in and forcing your heat pump to work overtime.
? What to Do if You Need Emergency Heat
If you find yourself relying on emergency heat, it’s time to call a pro. Our team at Air Comfort Services is here to diagnose and repair any issues, keeping your heat pump running efficiently. ??
? Need Help? Contact Air Comfort Services Today!
If your heat pump isn’t working as it should, don’t wait! Call us, and our expert technicians will get your system back on track so you can stay cozy all winter long. ???
? Call us now or visit our website to schedule an appointment! Let Air Comfort Services keep your home warm and efficient no matter how cold it gets outside. ????