Stay Warm in Hyde Park Winters: A Guide to Using Auxiliary Heat
When winter settles over Hyde Park, homeowners rely on their heating systems to keep the chill at bay. For those using heat pumps, the concept of auxiliary heat can often seem mysterious. What exactly is auxiliary heat, and how does it work in a heat pump system? Should you worry if you see the aux heat indicator on your thermostat? Adams Heating & Cooling breaks it all down so you can stay warm and worry-free this winter.
What Is Auxiliary Heat?
Auxiliary heat is an automatic secondary heating source. It kicks in when your air source heat pump can’t extract enough warmth from the outdoor air to maintain your desired indoor temperature. This often happens during very cold temperatures when air source heat pumps struggle to perform at their expected energy efficiency.
Unlike primary electric heat pumps, which transfer heat from the outside air to indoor living areas, auxiliary heat uses electric resistance coils or a gas furnace (for dual-fuel heat pump systems) to generate heat directly.
Here in the Hyde Park, OH, area, a backup heat source is a good idea to include with any heat pump installation, because temperatures can drop quite low in the winter. In a typical heat pump system, an auxiliary heat strip is installed within the indoor air handler unit. When installing a heat pump that’s dual-fuel, a furnace is set up with the system instead of an air handler.
Because electric resistance heating and gas furnaces generate heat instead of transferring it between indoor and outdoor units, you might notice a slight increase in energy usage when auxiliary heat is running alongside your heat pump.
When Does Auxiliary Heat Turn On?
Many Hyde Park homeowners wonder when to use auxiliary heat on heat pumps. Here’s the thing—you don’t actually have to do anything, because it’s automatic! You’ll typically see auxiliary heat activate under these conditions:
- Freezing Temperatures: When the temperature outside drops too low for your heat pump to operate efficiently.
- Rapid Temperature Increases: If you drastically adjust your thermostat settings, your system may use auxiliary heat to quickly reach the new temperature.
- Defrost Cycle: During a defrost cycle, the heat pump temporarily switches to cooling mode to melt ice on the outdoor unit. Auxiliary heat steps in to prevent cold air from circulating inside your home.
How to Tell If Your Auxiliary Heat Is Running
Most modern thermostats will display a notification, such as “AUX” or “Auxiliary Heat,” when this feature is active. If your thermostat doesn’t provide this information, you might notice a few telltale signs:
- A slight increase in your energy bill.
- Warmer air from your vents compared to when the heat pump is running alone.
- Your system runs for longer periods during extremely cold weather.
Is Auxiliary Heat a Cause for Concern?
In most cases, auxiliary heat is nothing to worry about. It’s a normal and essential function of your heating system, ensuring consistent warmth regardless of outdoor conditions. However, frequent or prolonged use of auxiliary heat might indicate an issue with your central heating system, such as:
- An improperly sized heat pump.
- Poor insulation in your home.
- A malfunctioning heat pump that can’t keep up with demand.
If you suspect something isn’t right, it’s a good idea to contact a professional HVAC technician, like those at Adams Heating & Cooling, to inspect your heat pump system and determine if any repairs are needed.
Auxiliary Heat vs. Emergency Heat: What’s the Difference?
One common misconception is that auxiliary heat and emergency heat are the same thing. While they are related and use the same backup heating equipment, they serve different purposes for your heat pump system:
Auxiliary Heat
Auxiliary heat is automatic. You don’t need to do anything to activate it; your thermostat decides when it’s necessary. It’s a seamless process that works to keep your home warm, even when outdoor temperatures dip significantly.
Emergency Heat
The emergency heat setting is manual. You can turn it on if your heat pump fails or isn’t functioning properly. It bypasses the heat pump entirely and relies solely on your backup heating source, either electric coils or a gas furnace. While ground source heat pumps (geothermal heat pumps) typically don’t need auxiliary heat due to cold temperatures, the emergency heat feature can be used to heat the home if the heat pump malfunctions.
When to Use Emergency Heat
Emergency heat is a feature you hope never to need, but it’s good to know when it’s appropriate to use it. Switch to emergency heat only if:
- Your heat pump has stopped working entirely.
- The outdoor unit is visibly damaged or frozen over.
Why You Don’t Want to Use Emergency Heat All the Time
While auxiliary emergency heat is a lifesaver in certain situations, it’s not intended for regular use. Here’s why:
High Energy Costs
Electric resistance heating is significantly less efficient than a heat pump. Continuous use of auxiliary heating in emergency mode can cause a noticeable spike in your energy bills—sometimes increasing them by as much as 50%!
Increased Wear and Tear
Overusing emergency heat can strain your heat pump system, leading to more frequent repairs and a shorter lifespan for your heat pump. The backup heat source is only meant to be used for short periods of time.
Environmental Impact
If your heat pump uses a gas furnace as a backup heating source, running the system in emergency heat mode generates much higher carbon emissions compared to the standard heat pump operation due to the burning of fossil fuels. Running electric heating coils in emergency mode uses far more electricity than when used to supplement the heat pump.
Remember, emergency heat is less efficient and can lead to higher energy bills. Use it only as a temporary solution until a professional can repair your system.
Tips to Minimize Auxiliary Heat Usage
While auxiliary heat is there to keep you comfortable, it’s less energy-efficient than your heat pump. Here’s how you can reduce its use and save on energy costs:
- Seal Drafts: Inspect windows, doors, and other potential sources of air leaks. Use weather stripping or caulk to keep warm air inside.
- Maintain Your Heat Pump: Schedule regular maintenance to ensure your system operates at peak efficiency. Clean filters and coils can make a big difference.
- Gradual Thermostat Adjustments: Avoid sudden temperature changes that force your system to work harder. Instead, adjust your thermostat by a degree or two at a time.
- Invest in a Smart Thermostat: A smart thermostat can optimize your system’s performance, reducing unnecessary reliance on auxiliary heat.
- Improve Insulation: Properly insulating your home keeps heat from escaping, reducing the workload on your system.
At Adams Heating & Cooling, our team of experienced technicians is here to help with all your heating needs, from routine maintenance to emergency repairs. Whether you’re concerned about auxiliary heat or need advice on upgrading your system with a new heat pump installation, we’ve got you covered.
Expert Service to Improve Your Heat Pump’s Performance
Auxiliary heat is your system’s way of saying, “Don’t worry, I’ve got this!” It’s an automatic safety net that ensures your home stays warm, even during the coldest days. By understanding how it works and taking steps to optimize your heating system, you can stay comfortable all winter long without breaking the bank.If you have questions about installing heat pump heating and cooling systems or need expert assistance with your existing heat pump, don’t hesitate to contact Adams Heating & Cooling. We’re proud to serve Hyde Park residents with reliable, energy-efficient solutions that help you stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy the coziness of your well-heated home all winter long!