WHEN TO USE EMERGENCY HEAT ON A HEAT PUMP (AND WHEN NOT TO)
When you’re in the middle of a cold snap or a rough storm, the last thing you need is your heat pump failing on you. Is it worth using the emergency heat setting, or should you reach out for help?
Knowing when to use the emergency heat on a heat pump will save you a major headache when the weather gets cold. While this setting is very useful, there will be times when using it could strain your equipment or waste money.
Air Experts is a New Jersey-based heating and cooling service that helps homeowners with heating services and general maintenance. Our guide will go over a few simple tips to help you use your heat pump correctly, avoid unnecessary service calls, and keep your house warm.
Do you suspect your heat pump is damaged? We offer heat pump repair services to inspect your system and provide a quick solution.
EMERGENCY HEAT VS BACKUP HEAT
The emergency heat setting on a heat pump functions as a backup. When you select the emergency heat option on your unit (also known as em heat), it switches to a secondary heating source to avoid further damage to the main system.
Em heat is typically manual and relies on user activation. However, some heat pumps have automatic switching (also known as auxiliary heating).
HOW AUTOMATIC SWITCHING (OR AUXILIARY HEATING) WORKS
This auxiliary heat setting kicks in when your heat pump can’t keep up with demand, such as during very cold weather. Your secondary heating system will activate for a few hours to keep your home warm and buy you time to get repairs if necessary.
A properly configured auxiliary heating system doesn’t require your manual input. You’ll know it’s not working if your home dips to extremely low temperatures, and your secondary heating system still doesn’t turn on. Another sign your system isn’t working right is if the auxiliary heat setting constantly turns on despite mild outdoor temperatures.
When should you use the emergency heat on a heat pump and when should you call for service? We recommend calling for service if you’re unable to turn your emergency heat system off manually or if your automatic switching keeps turning on without good reason. Give us a call to schedule an appointment for your heat pump.
WHY YOU MIGHT NEED BACKUP HEATING
Your heat pump is a powerful system, but it can still glitch or fail when you need it most. Backup heating systems work by activating a secondary electric, gas, or oil-based heat source.
Some of the most common reasons you might need backup heat are thermostat setbacks, defrosting, and extreme outdoor temperatures.
THERMOSTAT SETBACKS
If you raise the temperature several degrees after a setback, your system might trigger the auxiliary heat setting to give your home a quick boost of hot air.
EXTREME TEMPERATURES
Heat pump emergency heat can be a great way to keep your home comfortable during a surprise cold snap or heavy snow build-up, if your outdoor unit isn’t working properly. This setting buys you time until you can get repair services.
MALFUNCTIONING HEAT PUMP
If your heat pump stops heating properly when an extreme temperature drop causes your system to ice over, emergency heat can help. While it won’t melt outdoor ice or fix the underlying issue, it will keep your home at a safe and comfortable temperature until a repair team can arrive.
We don’t recommend using your emergency heat setting when you’re only a little cold. If your current heat pump doesn’t seem to warm you up no matter what you do, a new installation might be a better choice. Call our team, and one of our technicians will help you explore your options.
3 QUICK TIPS FOR USING YOUR HEAT PUMP EMERGENCY SETTING
Still not sure when to use the emergency heat on a heat pump? When in doubt, refer to these quick tips to keep your home warm and your system from becoming more damaged.
1. YOUR HEAT PUMP IS FREEZING
If your heat pump is iced over and isn’t heating properly, it may be struggling to complete its normal defrost cycle. While you’ll still need a technician to take a look, turning on your heat pump emergency heat will keep your home warm in the meantime.
2. YOU NEED TO PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE
Does your heat pump look damaged in any way? Switching to heat pump emergency heat can keep your system from developing even more problems as you wait for professional help.
3. YOU MIGHT NOT GET HEAT FOR A WHILE
Sometimes you end up in the middle of freezing weather and don’t know when it’ll warm up. Relying on a secondary heat system is better than hoping your heat pump will start working again on its own.
We don’t recommend turning off your heat pump unless necessary. Try keeping your thermostat between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit in general, then consider emergency heating for any of the above conditions.
NAVIGATING NEW JERSEY’S COLD CLIMATE
Learning when to use the emergency heat on your heat pump is crucial for New Jersey winters. The state’s cold season is known for heavy snow, freezing winds, and plenty of rain. Your heat pump is best for handling specific temperature ranges, so if it struggles to maintain the set temperature, that doesn’t mean your system is ‘bad’.
Since heat pumps become less efficient as temperatures drop, they often come with a secondary heat source. While each home will have different comfort needs, your emergency heat setting should only be used in emergencies.
Older heat pumps tend to work better with temperatures around 30 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. However, newer models can still operate in temperatures as low as five degrees.
NOR’EASTER PREP CHECKLIST
Knowing when to use the emergency heat on your heat pump won’t mean much if you don’t maintain your system. Follow our prep checklist before winter hits to reduce the risk of malfunctions:
Keep snow and ice cleared away from your outdoor unit, maintaining at least 18–24 inches of clearance.
Replace filters on primary and secondary heating systems every 1–3 months during heavy winter use.
Test your thermostat for accurate readings at least once per year.
Need help with maintenance or inspections? The Air Experts’ service area spans across Monmouth County in New Jersey.
HOW AIR EXPERTS CAN FIX YOUR HEAT PUMP
Sometimes you don’t have the answers why your heat pump is acting so strange. When in doubt, let a technician take a look at your system so you don’t have to be more stressed out during a classic Nor’easter storm.
Air Experts offers a variety of practical services like heat pump inspections, heat pump maintenance, furnace repair, and furnace installation. If your heat pump keeps failing on you when you need it most, we also offer new heat pump installations so you can enjoy dependable, energy-efficient heating.
When you reach out to Air Experts, you get extra benefits like:
Practical financing options for low-interest or no-interest payments.
Discounts and coupons to help you save even more money.
Warranties and guarantees for even more peace of mind.
A highly-rated service with consistent customer satisfaction.
Keep your heat pump in working condition with Air Experts on your side. Schedule your appointment online with one of our service technicians will be happy to help.