What is Auxiliary heat? When your system reverses to thaw the coils, the radiation strips automatically turn on to keep your home warm. This is referred to as “auxiliary heat.” This is usually not controllable manually but is switched on automatically when your system detects that it has been running for too long.
What is a Thermostat’s Auxiliary Heat?
Auxiliary heating goes in when the temperature inside your home drops two or three degrees below the temperature set on the thermostat to help warm your home faster. Unless you check your thermostat and see that the “AUX” light is switched on, you won’t notice the switch has occurred most of the time.
Depending on whether your home utilizes a
| 1. | Honeywell thermostat | |
|---|---|---|
| 2. | Nest thermostat | |
| 3. | Another form of a smart thermostat |
The aux heat indicator on your thermostat will light up or begin flashing for some time, alerting you. Because your thermostat activates supplemental heat when the temperature inside your home falls below the desired temperature you’ve selected.
This happens when the indoor temperature on your thermostat falls below the predetermined indoor environment temperature by 2-3 degrees. Once your residence reaches the thermostat set point, the auxiliary heat will switch off.
How a Heat Pump Works––A Quick Refresher
First and foremost, it’s critical to comprehend. Before you can answer the question above, you must first understand how a heat pump works. A heat pump differs from a furnace in that it transfers heat from one location to another rather than producing it.
It works in the opposite direction as an air conditioner. When it’s working as an air conditioner for your home, it draws heat in from the outside and moves it inside, then does the opposite with cold air––it removes heat from within and moves it outside.
There are two main reasons for the energization of this setting:
Heat Pumps Aren’t Capable of Producing Enough Heat
We all need a jolt of energy now and again to help us achieve our objectives. That’s exactly what your heat pump system’s auxiliary heating setting performs.
In other words, if your heat pump is having trouble maintaining its set temperature, Your heat pump will get a boost from your extra heat. When your heat pump is unable to adequately heat your home, the auxiliary heat will be activated.
In most cases, your heat pump will turn on the auxiliary heat strip inside your secondary heating source to assist it to achieve its specified temperature more quickly. If the light is illuminated, your heat pump’s electric resistance heating has been turned on.
“Defrost Mode” is active on your system.
Is there ice forming on your heat pump? If ice forms on the exterior unit of your heat pump, it will go through a “defrost cycle” to melt it.
The system will use supplemental heat to keep your home warm during this period. When the temperature drops below freezing in the winter, ice can form around the exterior coils. Your heat pump will automatically reverse the refrigerant flow if this occurs. As a result, the hot refrigerant is given to the outdoor unit to aid in the melting of the ice.
During the defrost cycle, your heat pump stops heating your home, forcing some models to automatically switch to aux mode until the defrost procedure is complete.
If your heat pump is in defrost mode, look for the following signs:
-
From the outdoor unit, steam and/or water can be visible.
-
The outside unit’s fan is not working.
-
In some versions, a flashing light on the machine itself indicates that it is in defrost mode.
Emergency Heat vs. Auxiliary Heat
So, how do you tell the difference between auxiliary and emergency heat?
When the external heat pump is too cold to quickly heat your home in freezing weather, the auxiliary heating system will go on. If the temperature lowers rapidly, auxiliary heating kicks in to help heat your home more quickly.
As a result, the hot refrigerant is sent to the outdoor unit to assist in the melting process.
A supplemental heating source is required for heat pumps. When the temperature dips below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, this is very important. The electric resistance heating at the indoor unit, for example, is one of these supplemental heating sources. It can also incorporate backup systems for gas, oil, or even hot water.
“Second-stage” or “back-up” heating refers to these additional heating sources. The heat pump is the “initial state” of heating. When you use your “second-stage” heat without using your “first stage,” you are said to be in an emergency.
Summary
A heat pump’s auxiliary heating system is referred to as auxiliary heat on your thermostat. Auxiliary heat is activated when the temperature inside your home falls below-set levels. It works in the same way as an air conditioner to transfer heat from one location to another.
Look for the following signs that your heat pump is in defrost mode: Steam and/or water can be visible, or the outside unit’s fan is not working. Auxiliary heating kicks in to help heat your home more quickly when the temperature drops rapidly.
What is an emergency?
In most cases, your system will need to conduct defrost cycles every few hours when the temperature drops below 40 degrees. Your heat pump, on the other hand, maybe unable to create heat at temperatures in the 20s and 30s or below because there will simply be insufficient heat in the ambient air to extract.
Outside, the refrigerant has gotten so cold that compressing it is practically impossible, and it can’t absorb the remaining heat. In these conditions, running a heater could cause significant damage, so you should turn it off.
The “emergency” heat setting is for situations like this. When you switch it on, your compressor and heat pump turn off completely, and your system’s radiation heat strips turn on. This allows you to keep receiving heat while avoiding damage to your exterior heat pump equipment.
However, keep in mind that you will be expending a significant amount of extra energy in doing so, hence the term “emergency.” To avoid causing damage to your core system, only use this mode when necessary.
Explanation of Emergency Heating
So, when should you turn on the emergency heat? Only use in an emergency!
When something goes wrong with your “first stage” heat, you should utilize emergency heat. Let’s imagine your home isn’t reaching the desired warm temperature since your exterior unit has malfunctioned. After that, you’d put on the emergency heat and phone for help.
The emergency heat setting must be turned on manually and should only be used when the temperature is below 30 degrees. When the heat pump is turned on, it completely shuts down, allowing you to receive heat without causing damage to your external heat pump system.
To avoid causing harm to your central heating system, this should only be used when essential. Having emergency heat on can be more expensive to run, and it will be. This is why it should only be used in an emergency.
How to Turn Off the Auxiliary Heater
When your Honeywell thermostat or any other model thermostat states the auxiliary heat is on, it may appear that it isn’t much you can do. Even this may be too much for your device if the outside conditions are exceptionally cold. To prevent the auxiliary heat from turning on, you may need to make some further alterations to your property.
Learning how to turn off auxiliary heat is a simple process that can help you save money on your heating expenses this winter.
1. Set the heat temperature to a lower level.
Most of the time, the supplemental heat is activated because the home’s temperature is set too high. To maintain a pleasant temperature, you’re pushing your HVAC system to work too hard. To solve the problem, all you need to do is set the thermostat to someplace between 62 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Make Your House More Attractive
Creating a nice, warmer ambiance inside your home is another great strategy to avoid the supplementary heat from running. During the day, open your window shades and let the sun warm your rooms as much as possible. Remember that you may always dress warmly and snuggle up with a warm blanket by layering up.
3. Unused Rooms Should Be Turned Off
Most people have portions of their homes that aren’t used during the day, such as a spare bedroom or a den. Close the doors and close the vents in those rooms to allow the rest of the warm air to be diverted to the rest of your house.
4. The thermostat is set to the Aux Heat setting all of the time.
Some people discover that their thermostat is stuck on aux heat in the thick of winter, or even on a milder winter day. As previously stated, this is due to their HVAC system’s inability to keep up with an acceptable demand for home heating. This is a major problem that should be addressed by a qualified HVAC professional.
Schedule a Heating Tune-Up for the Season
It’s a good idea to have your heating system tested and tuned up before the winter season truly starts. Early autumn is a perfect time to double-check that all of your moving parts are in good working condition, air filters are changed, and your heat source doesn’t need any substantial repairs.
Summary
Most of the time, supplemental heat is activated because the home’s temperature is set too high. The emergency setting must be turned on manually and should only be used when the temperature is below 30 degrees. Learning how to turn off auxiliary heat can help you save money on your heating bills.
Take a look at your thermostat.
If you had your heating system serviced in the autumn and the aux heating is still on, it’s possible that your thermostat is to blame. The auxiliary heat may turn on faster with newer thermostats than with older ones. Many modern models will prompt the aux heat setting if the temperature does not rise within the first few minutes.
If you have an outdated thermostat and are having abrupt aux heat overload, It could be due to the model or the fact that it’s time to have an HVAC specialist check at your heat pump. Your heating system could be the source of the problem.
Is it Possible for My Heater to Freeze?
During the winter, though, this cycle might cause frost to form on your exterior coil. Even when the temperature lowers to near-freezing degrees, the refrigerant that reaches your coil is extremely cold, allowing it to find a way to absorb heat.
Even the tiniest amounts of water vapor in the air can condense and freeze in such cold temperatures, resulting in frost on your exterior coil, which can cause the entire heater to freeze over. Yes, as absurd as it may seem, your heater can freeze at temperatures of roughly 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
As a result, after a few hours of use, your heater will need to defrost itself to continue working. That implies it must reverse the refrigerant flow to let the hot fluid run through your coil and dissolve any condensed or frozen snow or ice.
But what if you still require warmth?
Simple: during this time, your system activates a series of electrical radiant heat strips, which can still deliver heat but at a higher energy cost.
The operation of these electrical strips is dependent on both “auxiliary” and “emergency” heat. While they allow you to keep getting the heat you need in your house to stay both comfortable and healthy, they are a less ideal option because they cost a lot more to run for longer periods.
Why You Shouldn’t Use Emergency Heat in the First Place (unless you have to)
A Heat Pump System’s outside unit contains components such as a compressor, condensing coil, and valves that efficiently heat or cool your home.
Read this before you turn on your thermostat’s Emergency Heat setting! When the temperature is too low for the heat pump to take heat from outside, typically below 35 degrees Fahrenheit, the Emergency Heat or Auxiliary Heat setting is employed.
Your heating system can then complement the heat with the alternate source, however, if When you put the system on Emergency Heat mode, it becomes the only source of energy, rather than serving its intended purpose.
When you set your thermostat to emergency heat, you risk:
1. Energy bills that are too high
Running your home on Emergency Heat would be prohibitively expensive. When you select this option, your heat is transferred from your heat pump to an electric heat strip, which is substantially less efficient and more expensive.
2. Putting a burden on your system
When you turn on emergency heat, your system bypasses the heat pump and operates as if the main heat source isn’t working at all. This puts a lot of load on the backup element, which is only supposed to be used in extreme situations for a brief time.
When your heating system is working properly, it will use your Emergency Heat when the primary system is unable to control the temperature on its own. maybe your heating system is malfunctioning. Set your thermostat so that the system does not stay on if your fan does not turn on.
Without air circulation, emergency heat might damage your outdoor unit. Unless your heat pump has entirely broken, you should never manually turn on the Emergency Heat. If this is the case, you should get your heating system inspected and fixed as soon as possible.
If you do need to use the Emergency Heat, please contact Wentzel’s and we’ll take care of the problem. Remember, don’t turn on Emergency Heat just because it’s cold outside; do so only if your heat pump isn’t heating your home properly.
When should I turn on my auxiliary heat?
1. When the temperature outdoors falls below 40 degrees.
2. While the defrost cycle is in progress.
3. When the current differs by three degrees or more. • When the thermostat is set to turn on the emergency heat.
I’m not sure how I’ll know if there’s a problem.
1. If the temperature rises above 40 degrees, the auxiliary heat continues to run.
2. The set temperature is not being maintained by the system.
3. Exorbitant electric bills
Summary
During the winter, frost might cause frost to form on your heater’s exterior coil. After a few hours of use, your heater will need to defrost itself to continue working. This is referred to as “auxiliary heat,” which is switched on automatically when the temperature inside your home drops below the thermostat.
Scenario 1: Registers Blowing Cool Air
There are two phases of heat in a heat pump. The heat pump is the primary (1st) step. The auxiliary heat (2nd stage) is activated to work in combination with the heat pump if the heat pump is unable to produce enough heat to fulfill the thermostat temperature setting.
The auxiliary heaters have failed to operate in the majority of the “no heat” calls with a heat pump.
If the over-temperature device is activated three times during a run cycle, all new York air handlers have a function that disables the auxiliary heaters. This “lock-out” also energizes the fan, causing it to run indefinitely unless it is manually reset.
Low airflow across the heaters is the most prevalent reason for this failure. A blocked air filter is the most typical reason for limited airflow, although it can also be caused by a dirty interior coil or closed/restricted ductwork.
Reset the lock-out by cycling high-voltage electricity to the lock-out once the source of the airflow restriction has been eliminated.
1. Auxiliary Heater Power Outage
Many air handlers have multiple power breaker circuits. One breaker powers the blower and one heater on an air handler with 15kw heaters, while another breaker powers the remaining two heaters. Look for tripped or turned-off breakers in the breaker panel and on the air handler itself.
2. Issues with Return Ductwork
Even if the heat pump is performing normally if the return duct system has openings or has fallen loose (particularly in an unheated attic or crawlspace), it will take in cold air and give cool air from the supply registers, and the space may not be heated.
The quickest way to tell if this is the case is to look at the temperature of the return air entering the air handler. Ductwork issues might be indicated by a very cold return air temperature.
3. Auxiliary Heater Controls That Have Failed - A Qualified Technician Is Recommended
To energize the auxiliary heaters, all air handlers have some form of control. To cycle the heaters, most contemporary air handlers use an electronic control board. The heaters in older air handlers are powered by mechanical heat sequencers. Control boards and sequencers are notorious for failing over time.
4. A Qualified Technician is Recommended for a Bad Thermostat
A malfunctioning thermostat is a less likely, but potential, cause of “no heat” on a heat pump system. Even if the thermostat display says that “Aux Heat” is turned on, we’ve encountered cases when the relay outputs fail to energize the auxiliary heaters on modern electronic thermostats.
5. Failure of a Heat Pump - A Qualified Technician is Recommended
A failure of the heat pump itself is another unusual, but potential, the reason for “no heat” on a heat pump system. The fact that the auxiliary heaters should energize to keep the space warm even if the heat pump stops working makes this an improbable explanation.
Some York units have a mechanism that turns off the electric heaters when the outside temperature reaches a specified level (usually around 35-40 deg). A heat pump failure may result in “no heat” if the outside air temperature is above this point.
Scenario 2: There isn’t any air coming out of the registers.
DESCRIPTION OF THE POSSIBLE PROBLEM
1. Incorrectly set thermostat
Thermostats that are not set appropriately cause many “no heat” calls, especially early in the heating season. Ascertain that the system is set to “Heat” or “Auto” and that the desired temperature is set higher than the space temperature.
2. Power Outage at the Air Handler
Many air handlers have multiple power breaker circuits. One breaker powers the blower and one heater on an air handler with 15kw heaters, while another breaker powers the remaining two heaters. Check the breaker panel as well as the air handler for any tripped circuits.
Thermostat Issues
A malfunctioning thermostat is a less likely, but potential, cause of “no heat” on a heat pump system. The thermostat may fail to turn on the heaters.
-
Turn the thermostat to “Off” and then back to “Heat” or “Auto” to see if that helps.
-
If you have an electronic thermostat, you should replace the batteries as well.
-
A Qualified Technician is Recommended for a Failed Blower
The heat pump and auxiliary heaters will still try to operate if the blower motor or the blower motor control fails to start. A burning or hot odor from the supply registers is usually present with this problem.
In this case, the thermostat should be set to “Off” and a competent technician should be contacted to diagnose the problem.
WHY IS MY HEATER BLINDING ME WITH COOL AIR?
On a cold day, there are a few things more frustrating than turning on your heater. On a cold day, there are few things more frustrating than turning on your heating system and discovering that it only blasts cold air. The blower in some models starts up right away.
As a result, cold air comes out of the vents before the furnace can fully heat them. If the air in your home never heats up, it’s a sign that something is wrong with your heating system. While many heating system repairs require the assistance of a trained professional, you can try a few troubleshooting techniques to see if you can get your heat back.
1. Thermostat Controls
Check the temperature on your thermostat. Multiple settings are available on today’s programmable thermostats. Verify that the system is set to heat and that the temperature is set correctly. An older thermostat may be still set to air conditioning.
Allow the system to reset for a few minutes. A time delay is integrated into many units. The thermostat may need to be recalibrated or replaced if all of the settings are proper.
2. Furnace (gas)
There could be several other reasons why your gas furnace isn’t working. Look for a tripped circuit breaker in your electrical panel. If the electronic starter is not powered, the burner will not light. As a result, the heater produces cold air.
Check sure the pilot light is turned on on older models. Make sure the valve on your gas supply line is open. It could have been shuttered for safety reasons over the summer.
3. Furnace using electricity
The use of electric heaters necessitates the use of electricity. Check to see if the circuit breaker for the system hasn’t tripped. If that’s the case, the breaker should be reset. A breaker that keeps tripping is a sign of a short circuit or another problem. The system will give chilly air if your heating elements are burned out.
They may overheat if there is a short circuit. To prevent damage, a safety switch will cut off the heating element. Circuit breakers and heating components that aren’t working properly should be repaired by a specialist.
4. Heat Pumps are a type of heating system that uses electricity
Heat pumps, by design, produce colder air than gas and electric furnaces. If the outside temperature is really cold, they also employ supplemental heat strips. The heat pump will give cold air if these strips fail.
The system, just like in the summer, requires the right amount of refrigerant. The heat pump will not be able to transmit heat efficiently if the level is low. The heat strips and refrigerant level should be checked by an expert.
Summary
A malfunctioning thermostat is a less likely, but potential cause of “no heat” on a heat pump system. Some York units have a mechanism that turns off the electric heaters when the outside temperature reaches a specified level (usually around 35-40 deg).
If the air in your home never heats up, it’s a sign that something is wrong with your heating system.
Frequently Asked Questions
People usually ask following questions regarding heating system.
1. When is it OK to use supplemental heat?
Auxiliary heating goes in when the temperature inside your home drops two or three degrees below the temperature set on the thermostat to help warm your home faster.
2. In the winter, what temperature should I set my heat pump to?
Temperatures for Heat Pumps in the Winter
During the fall and winter months**, 68°F is the sweet spot that balances comfort and energy efficiency**, according to the Department of Energy. When your home is occupied and family members are awake, a 68°F heat pump setting keeps the living spaces comfortable.
3. When is it appropriate to utilize more heat?
When the temperature inside your home drops two or three degrees below the temperature set on the thermostat, auxiliary heating kicks in to help warm your home faster.
4. Why aren’t heat pumps utilized in the north?
Heat pumps have a reputation for not working properly in colder climates throughout the winter. They’re more efficient in locations where temperatures don’t drop below freezing because of the way they’re made.
5. Is 72 degrees Fahrenheit a reasonable temperature for heating in the winter?
Set your thermostat anywhere between 72° F and 66° F depending on the time of day and whether or not your home is occupied. According to the majority of HVAC professionals, this is the case.
6. When a heat pump reaches a certain temperature, it stops working?/
When temperatures dip to between 25 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit, heat pumps lose efficiency. When the temperature is over 40 degrees, a heat pump works well. Heat pumps lose efficiency when the outside temperature drops below 40 degrees, and they use more energy to conduct their functions.
7. Why do old people constantly seem to be cold?
Seniors’ bodies may be unable to create enough heat to maintain a “normal” temperature of 98.6 degrees as they age due to a natural decline in metabolic rate. Slower circulation makes it more difficult to keep heat in the body. This may be due to aging or drug adverse effects.
8. Inside a house, how chilly is too cold?
In the winter, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends keeping your thermostat at 64 degrees Fahrenheit (F) while you are at home. If there are infants or elderly people around, the temperature should be kept below 70 degrees.
9. what type of vitamin deficit causes you to feel cold?
Anemia can be caused by a lack of vitamin B12 or iron deficiency, which can make you feel cold. Chicken, eggs, and fish are good sources of B12, and patients with iron deficiency should eat poultry, pork, fish, peas, soybeans, chickpeas, and dark green leafy vegetables.
10. Is it true that heat pumps consume a lot of electricity?
Heat pumps use some electricity to operate, but only a little amount. Modern heat pump systems can transmit three to four times more thermal energy in the form of heat than they require in electrical energy to conduct this function - which the homeowner is responsible for paying for.
11. Will a heat pump function in a 0°F environment?
Modern heat pumps may function effectively in sub-zero temperatures for a short length of time. A gas furnace or a dual fuel heat pump system with a gas-powered backup heat source is the ideal option if you live in a cold-weather climate with extended periods of subzero temperatures.
12. Is it possible to leave a house unheated during the winter?
Almost any room in the house can be closed off or have the temperature significantly adjusted for the winter. However, not every room can be left completely unheated because the flooring would fracture, any plaster cracks will spread, and ice will develop within the windows, ruining the finish.
13. Is it more cost-effective to set your thermostat to a single temperature?
However, it turns out that the only true benefit of maintaining your thermostat in one setting is convenience. Sure, the steady temperature is convenient whether you’re on vacation or away for the weekend, but there are no added benefits when you’re at home.
14. How do snowbirds prepare their homes for the winter?
External doors and windows should be secured with deadbolt locks and security-type hinges. Slide locks or other similar security locks should be installed on sliding glass doors.
Keep any valuables you won’t be bringing with you in a safe place. Keep valuables in a safe deposit box or another secure offsite location if you’re not taking them with you.
15. Why do empty rooms feel so cold?
Empty rooms are always colder.
It may appear strange, yet it is a straightforward climate principle. Air heats and cools more quickly than objects, yet it does not keep its temperature. Furniture, drapes, clothes, and decorations absorb heat and then re-radiate it, making the air warmer.
16. How to Prepare Your Home for a Winter Vacation When You’re Alone?
Turn the water supply off. The most crucial thing you should do is turn off your water supply, especially if you’ll be gone for the whole winter.
-
Drain the waterlines.
-
Pipes should be insulated.
-
Reduce the temperature.
-
Unplug all of your appliances.
-
Remove the garbage.
17. What do snowbirds do with their homes when they leave?
Some snowbirds rent out their homes. When they return north, some snowbirds rent out their vacation homes. Snowbirds live in their summer homes between April and October, and some put their winter homes on the market for rent.
Conclusion
A heat pump’s auxiliary heating system is referred to as auxiliary heat on your thermostat. Auxiliary heat is activated when the temperature inside your home falls below-set levels. Most of the time, supplemental heat is activated because the home’s temperature is set too high.
The emergency setting must be turned on manually and should only be used when the temperature is below 30 degrees. A malfunctioning thermostat is a less likely, but potential cause of “no heat” on a heat pump system.
Related Articles
Most efficient electric heater
Winter activities for kids
What Is The Coldest Layer Of The Atmosphere
Vehicle shipping cost
Summer theme
