What is Emergency Heat?
When winter hits hard, your heat pump might switch to something called “emergency heat”—but what does that really mean for your comfort? It’s an important backup that kicks in when your regular heating system can’t quite keep up. Here’s a brief guide to what emergency heat is, why it’s needed, and when you should start wondering if it’s time for a check-up.
What is Emergency Heat?
Emergency heat is your heat pump’s response when the temperature outside drops so low that your regular heat pump can no longer pull enough warmth from the air. Normally, heat pumps extract heat from the outdoor air, but when that air gets too cold (typically below 25°F), it just doesn’t have enough to work with. That’s where emergency heat kicks in. It’s a backup system, usually an electric resistance heater that gets the job done when the heat pump is struggling, quickly raising the temperature in your home.
But here’s the one catch that’s key for you to know: emergency heat isn’t meant to be a long-term solution and should not be used as a primary heat source. It’s a temporary fix designed to keep you warm until your heat pump can get back to its efficient work. In essence, it acts like a backup generator in a power outage—necessary for short periods but not intended to run nonstop.
Reasons that Emergency Heat is Activated
Before diving into the reasons you might see emergency heat turn on, it’s important to distinguish it from auxiliary heat. You might see these two different modes distinguished on your thermostat as “em heat” and “aux heat.” Auxiliary heat, often activated in moderately cold temperatures, is simply a supplemental heating source to help your heat pump keep up when it’s working a bit harder than usual.
Emergency heat, on the other hand, is what steps in when things are really going south—think extreme cold or system problems, and it tends to be much more expensive to run. Here’s the main reasons why the emergency heat setting will be activated:
Low Outdoor Temperatures
When the temperature outside plummets, your heat pump has a harder time extracting warmth from the air. Below about 25°F, the heat pump is struggling to keep up. At this point, emergency heat steps in to fill the gap, making sure your home stays cozy even when the weather outside is frightful.
System Malfunctions
Sometimes, it’s not the weather but the system that’s the problem. A dirty air filter, low refrigerant levels, or even a faulty component can force your heat pump to rely on emergency heat to keep your home warm. If you notice emergency heat running frequently, it might be time to have a professional come in for a checkup.
Defrost Cycle
Heat pumps work hard to stay efficient, but during really cold spells, ice can build up on the outdoor unit. To keep things running smoothly, the system goes into defrost mode, temporarily shutting down the heating function. During this time, emergency heat steps in to ensure you don’t freeze while the unit is defrosting.
The Importance of Professional Maintenance and Inspections
While it’s tempting to let your heat pump run on autopilot, professional maintenance is important to avoid frequent, unnecessary emergency heat activation. A technician can spot small issues before they snowball into expensive problems, ensuring that your system is running efficiently and correctly all year round.
Regular inspections also help catch issues like refrigerant leaks or a clogged filter before they force your system to rely on emergency heat. And let’s face it: if your system is frequently calling for backup, you’re not only raising your energy bills but also compromising the lifespan of your heat pump. A professional will also verify that all components, from the reversing valve to the defrost cycle, are in tip-top shape, so emergency heat stays a rare exception, not the norm.
Rely on Heat Pump Experts
In short, having your heat pump regularly serviced with professional HVAC maintenance keeps everything running smoothly, saving you from emergency heat overuse, high energy bills, and potential system breakdowns. Reach out to A Plus Heating & AC for a thorough check-up—it’s an investment that’ll keep your home comfortable, all winter long.
