⭐ What is Auxiliary Heat and Why It’s a Problem
As we’re nearing the coldest time of the year, it’s crucial to ensure that your heat pump works properly. If it’s not, now is the time to act before the night-time weather consistently stays below freezing.
Sometimes, you’re unaware of a heat pump malfunction.
For example, one of the most common heating issues is heat pumps staying on auxiliary heating or sometimes just referred to as aux heat. First, this is not an issue if the outdoor temperature is low, normally below 32° F (or 0° C for our metric friends).
However, you’ve got a problem if the weather gets warmer and your aux heat stays on.
When that happens, it’s time to call professional technicians, stop wondering what aux heat is, and get your heat pump systems problem fixed right now.
Table of Contents
⭐ What is Auxiliary Heat?
AUX HEAT refers to the heat pump’s backup heat source.
Most heat pumps are designed to automatically switch on this emergency heating setting when the heat pump can’t produce enough heat when you have extremely cold outdoor temperatures.
Has your heat pump been stuck on aux heat mode, as shown on the aux heat indicator on your digital thermostat?
Perhaps your central heating system isn’t working as effectively as it should be.
Finally, has your heating bill been outrageously high over the past month?
Thanks to our heat pump experts, you don’t have to wonder what auxiliary heat mode is and how to fix it anymore. So, if you have an aux heat issue, let us take care of it.
Before you call our heating experts, we want you to know what the lesser-known heat pump feature called auxiliary heat is.
As you know, your heat pump works hard to heat your house.
But, unlike a gas furnace, a heat pump doesn’t create its own heat because heat pumps only transfer heat from the outside air into your home.
The problem occurs when the temperature drops below freezing at 32°F (0°C), as there isn’t enough heat in the cold air.
When that happens, your HVAC system switches to its emergency heat setting, otherwise known as auxiliary heating or backup heating.
This is when your thermostat energizes auxiliary heat.
This is a secondary heating source to help the heat pump keep you warm.
Besides a low temperature, your heat pump also goes onto emergency heat if ice is frozen on the surface of the outdoor unit.
Ice can happen if there is a problem with heat strips, which keep the outside defrosted.
If the defrost mode has not been switched on and the defrost cycle hasn’t begun, then this can become a problem.
Additionally, sometimes your system has low refrigerant levels or a problem with the outdoor motor fans.
⭐ Is It Bad if Auxiliary Heat Comes On?
Basically, aux heat uses electric resistance heating as a secondary heat source to heat your home.
This is done through an auxiliary heat strip inside your heat pump to give it that extra boost.
Since electric resistance heating is much less efficient than your energy-efficient heat pump, you only want it to be on when it’s totally necessary.
Otherwise, your aux heat is working when it shouldn’t be and driving up the cost of your heating bill.
So, auxiliary or emergency heat should only be on when the outside temperature is below freezing, never above.
In the southern US, that should mostly happen at night and during the occasional snowstorm.
However, if the weather is warmer and above the freezing level, your aux heat should automatically turn off.
If it doesn’t, then you’ve got a problem.
So, don’t wait and run the risk of a complete system breakdown or a high heating bill.
⭐ We Don’t Just Do Heating System Repairs.
In addition to heat pump repair, Phyxter Home Services also does heating system installation and regular maintenance.
So, if your heating system decides to bite the dust, let us professionally install a brand-new energy-efficient heat pump system for you.
Lastly, regular maintenance is the best way to prevent a system failure.
This service allows us to regularly check your system and equipment to ensure that everything is working efficiently.
Therefore, stop the breakdowns before they happen with our fast and friendly routine maintenance.
Finally!
Contact Phyxter Home Services when you need an HVAC professional to repair your heat pump so you don’t have to worry about your Aux Heat ever kicking in when it’s not supposed to.
Check out our page on HVAC Services for more information or a free estimate in your local area.
Make the most of your money and get the right professional advice the first time.
Keep your home heated this winter with the help of our professional HVAC technicians.
Want to learn more about your home’s HVAC system? Check out our other HVAC articles.
