When the temperature outside drops dramatically, your thermostat may indicate that your heat pump has turned the auxiliary heat on, but is it bad if auxiliary heat comes on? Is auxiliary heating more expensive than regular heating? At Lex Air East Texas, our heating technicians are here to help homeowners understand what auxiliary heating is and how it can affect your home as well as your energy bill.
While it’s normal for auxiliary heat to come on occasionally, there are a few scenarios that can cause it to run more than necessary. Issues like a thermostat set too high, poor insulation, or a malfunctioning heat pump could be triggering your system to rely on auxiliary heat more often. If this becomes a recurring issue, contact one of our Tyler thermostat repair technicians. We’ll take the time to investigate the cause and move to optimize your heating system’s performance.
Let us ensure your heat pump is operating efficiently, saving you energy and keeping your home comfortable. Contact us today at (903) 833-9510 to schedule our services or receive a free quote from us!
What is Auxiliary Heat?
Auxiliary heat is a backup heating system used in heat pump systems when the primary heat pump can’t keep up with the demand for warmth. It typically activates during extremely cold weather or when the system is in defrost mode.
Auxiliary heat relies on electric resistance heating strips, which allow your system to create warmer air faster. While this type of heating is less energy-efficient, it ensures consistent comfort when the heat pump alone can’t keep up with the outdoor temperatures.
What Does “Aux Heat” Mean On My Thermostat?
“Aux Heat” on your thermostat means that your heat pump’s auxiliary heating system has been activated.
What’s The Difference Between “Em Heat” and “Aux Heat”?
When the temperature drops, your thermostat may be set to either emergency heat mode, indicated on your thermostat with the words “Em Heat,” or auxiliary heat mode, indicated by the words “Aux Heat.” However, these two thermostat settings are used in different situations.
Auxiliary heat automatically activates as a backup when the heat pump can’t keep up with the outdoor cold weather. Emergency heat, on the other hand, is manually activated and bypasses the heat pump entirely, relying solely on electric or gas heating when the heat pump is malfunctioning or unable to operate.
Both aux heat mode and emergency heat mode are less efficient than normal heating. However, aux heat can be used whenever your heater can’t keep up with the desired heat pump thermostat setting. You should only set your heater to its emergency heat setting in emergency situations.
Why Is My Auxiliary Heat On?
If you notice your aux heat indicator is on, or if your vents are blowing much warmer air than previously, your heat pump is likely in auxiliary heat mode. This may be because the temperature outside is too low, you’ve set the indoor temperature too high, or your heat pump is in defrost mode.
Lower Outdoor Temperatures
Heat pumps work by pulling heat energy from the outdoor air, and use refrigerant to raise the temperature further before pushing the air into your home. When the temperature outside is extremely low, your heat pump may have trouble pulling any heat from the outside air in order to heat your home efficiently.
In this case, your heat pump will need a backup heat source, like your system’s auxiliary heat, in order to provide extra warmth and maintain the desired indoor temperature.
Raised The Indoor Temperature Too High
If you set your thermostat much higher than the current room temperature, your heat pump might need extra support to meet the sudden demand. In this case, your auxiliary heating system may activate to meet your current thermostat settings.
Your Heat Pump Needs to Defrost
Frost and ice buildup on your heat pump’s outdoor unit can interfere with its ability to operate efficiently. When this happens, the system enters defrost mode, which essentially puts your system into cooling mode, pulling warm air from inside your home and pushing it back out through the outdoor compressor.
In order to keep your home warm during this cycle, it activates auxiliary heat, allowing the system to defrost the outdoor coils while also keeping you warm.
Is it Bad if Aux Heat Comes On?
It’s not inherently bad if your auxiliary heat comes on. Auxiliary heat is a secondary heating source designed to provide extra warmth when needed. However, frequent or prolonged use can lead to higher energy bills since auxiliary heat is less efficient than your heat pump. If your aux heat is on too often or in mild weather, it may indicate a problem with your system that needs attention.
Does Auxiliary Heat Cost More?
Yes, auxiliary heat typically costs more to operate than your heat pump. This is because auxiliary heat relies on electric resistance heating, which requires more energy than your heat pump normally requires. While it’s normal for your auxiliary heat strip to activate occasionally, frequent use can significantly increase your energy bills.
How Long Should Auxiliary Heat Run?
Auxiliary heat should only run for short periods, typically 15 to 30 minutes at a time. This should be long enough to help your heat pump reach the desired temperature or complete a defrost cycle. If it stays on for extended periods or runs frequently like it’s your primary heat source, it could indicate that there’s an issue with your system that needs professional attention.
How Do I Stop My Auxiliary Heat From Coming On?
To stop auxiliary heat from coming on, focus on keeping your heat pump efficient and reducing the strain on your system. This includes maintaining a consistent thermostat setting, scheduling regular HVAC maintenance, and ensuring proper insulation in your home.
Setting Your Desired Temperature Low
Cranking up the thermostat might feel tempting, especially when it’s incredibly chilly outside. However, increasing the temperature well above the current indoor temperature is a surefire way to trigger your auxiliary heat.
Keeping your set indoor temperature only one or two degrees higher than the current indoor temperature can reduce the strain on your heat pump and prevent the system from needing backup heating. You can also increase the heat incrementally by one degree to prevent aux heat from triggering.
Improve Home Insulation
Drafty windows and poor insulation force your HVAC system to work harder to maintain your home’s temperature. Sealing gaps, adding insulation, and using weatherstripping can help retain heat, keeping your auxiliary heating system from kicking on unnecessarily.
If you need to improve your home’s insulation, our HVAC professionals can provide expert insulation installation services in Tyler, TX, and the surrounding areas.
Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance
A well-maintained heat pump is far less likely to rely on auxiliary heat. Regular heating tune-ups ensure your system is running efficiently, catching minor issues before they lead to increased auxiliary heat usage. Additionally, scheduling annual heating and cooling maintenance can ensure your entire HVAC system remains reliable all year long, extending your system’s lifetime.
How Our Tyler Heating Technicians at Lex Air East Texas Can Help
If your heat pump isn’t performing as it should, Lex Air East Texas is here to help! Our expert technicians are here to help ensure that your system is able to provide you with enough heat without breaking the bank. Below are some of the various heating services we can provide to help.
Heating Repair Services
Is your heat pump acting up, not providing enough warmth, or is your heater blowing cold air? Our experienced heating technicians at Lex Air East Texas are here to provide furnace and heating repair in Tyler. We can diagnose and repair any issue quickly, restoring your home’s comfort without delay.
If your system needs a complete replacement, we also provide Tyler heat pump replacement services. Whether you’re in need of a minor fix, a major repair, or a new system altogether, our technicians are here to ensure your heat pump is able to keep your home warm all winter long.
Thermostat Repair and Replacement
A malfunctioning thermostat can cause all sorts of problems, including unnecessary auxiliary heat usage. Whether you need a quick repair or a full thermostat replacement, our team ensures that your thermostat is working accurately, so you can maintain the perfect temperature in your home without any hassle.
Annual Heating Tune-Ups
Preventive maintenance is key to keeping your heating system in peak condition. At Lex Air East Texas, our heating tune-ups in Tyler help catch small issues before they become costly problems, ensuring your heat pump operates efficiently, reliably, and without unnecessary strain on your energy bills.
Annual heating maintenance can ensure your heater will be prepared for when the outdoor temperature drops. By joining our regular HVAC maintenance plan, you can receive annual maintenance on your heating and cooling systems as well as additional perks, such as discounts on parts and priority service.
Trust Lex Air East Texas For All of Your Heat Pump, Furnace, and Other HVAC Needs!
When it comes to keeping your home comfortable, Lex Air East Texas is your trusted partner for all heat pump, furnace, and HVAC needs. Whether you need a new installation, timely repairs, or routine maintenance, our team is committed to providing top-notch service with a focus on efficiency and reliability.
We understand the importance of a well-functioning HVAC system, especially during the colder months, and we’re here to ensure your home stays warm and comfortable all year long. Our expert technicians are trained to handle a wide range of heating and cooling issues, and we take pride in offering solutions that save you money on energy bills while maintaining a high level of comfort.
At Lex Air East Texas, we are the Gold Standard for White Glove Service, and treat every job with extreme care and attention to detail. Our technicians are dedicated to providing honest, straightforward advice tailored to your needs.
If you’re ready to improve your home’s heating efficiency or need help with any HVAC issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Call (903) 833-9510 or contact us via our online contact form today to schedule our services or request a free quote from our technicians.