What’s the Difference Between Auxiliary and Emergency Heat?

Understanding the different heating modes on your thermostat can help you manage your home’s temperature more effectively and efficiently, especially during the cold months. As a trusted provider of quality gas heaters, ACS Air Conditioning Systems explores the critical differences and use cases for auxiliary heat and emergency heat to optimize your heating system.

Understanding Auxiliary Heat

Auxiliary heat, often abbreviated as “aux heat” on your thermostat, is essentially a secondary heating system that kicks in to assist your primary heating system, such as a heat pump, when external temperatures are extremely low. It’s automatically activated to provide additional warmth to reach your thermostat’s set temperature more quickly. This could mean the activation of electric heating coils or turning on a heater to supplement the heat pump’s output.

The activation of auxiliary heat is a typical response to the heat pump’s decreased efficiency in cold weather. The heat pump operates by extracting outdoor heat and transferring it indoors—a process that becomes less effective in colder conditions. When the temperature difference between the outside and the desired indoor temperature becomes too significant, the auxiliary heat turns on to help bridge that gap.

The Role of Emergency Heat

Emergency heat, on the other hand, should be considered a last-resort heating mode. This setting is typically manually activated by the homeowner when the primary heating system, usually the heat pump, has malfunctioned or is not providing sufficient heat. Unlike auxiliary heat, which automatically supports the main system, emergency heat takes over as the primary heat source until the main system is fixed.

This mode consumes more energy and can lead to higher utility bills, which is why it’s advisable only to use it in actual emergencies. If you find yourself frequently relying on emergency heat, it might be an indication that your heating system requires maintenance.

Knowing When To Use Each Mode

Auxiliary heat is beneficial when experiencing a temporary, extreme drop in temperature, helping maintain a comfortable indoor environment without a significant spike in energy consumption. Alternatively, emergency heat settings should only come into play if the heat pump ceases to operate correctly.

In either case, prolonged reliance on these secondary heating modes could indicate a deeper issue with your heat pump or heating system. Regular maintenance checks, which can include cleaning filters in forced air heating systems, can prevent unexpected failures and the need for emergency heat.

Let Our HVAC Experts Guide You

Auxiliary heat helps your primary heating system during cold spikes, ensuring your home stays warm without excessively increasing your energy bill. Emergency heat is a contingency plan for when your primary system fails. Knowing the difference and how to use each setting correctly is essential for maintaining a comfortable and energy-efficient home.

If you’re looking for a “heating or air conditioning repair near me“, reach out to ACS Air Conditioning Systems. We provide a range of HVAC services, including heating maintenance. Call us at (925) 676-2103, or fill out our contact form.