Mechanical Technologies

When the temperature starts to drop during the winter months, many homeowners will either rely on their heat pump to activate auxiliary heating or turn on emergency heating to keep their home comfortable. However, it’s important to understand the difference between these two settings. In this post, a top heating and air conditioning service expert, Mechanical Technologies, shares the difference between the two.

What Is Auxiliary Heating?

The auxiliary heat function on your thermostat automatically turns on when outdoor temperatures fall to between 30 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the efficiency of your heat pump. If the temperature drops below freezing, your heat pump might not be able to draw enough heat to keep your living space comfortable. In this situation, the heat strip will energize, and your heat pump’s secondary function will activate. When this function kicks in, you might notice a slight increase in your monthly utility bill.

What Is Emergency Heat?

Your AC repair expert will tell you that emergency heat functions similarly to auxiliary heating, except that it has to be manually activated. Emergency heat should only be activated when your outdoor unit can’t pull in hot air at all,  such as when it’s extremely cold or the system is malfunctioning. In turn, this will activate the auxiliary heat strip that will drive 100 percent of the heat in your home until the heat pump is fixed. We strongly caution against using the emergency heating function for prolonged periods of time, as this will cause a spike in your monthly energy bill.

Consult a Heating and Cooling Professional

Mechanical Technologies offers a range of HVAC services, including air duct cleaning, heater replacement, HVAC maintenance and more. We ensure quality workmanship on every job that we do, and we only use products from reliable brands. Call us at (915) 544-1550 or fill out our contact form to request a service.