The Emergency Heat Switch on Heat Pumps—What Is It and How Does It Work?

The Emergency Heat Switch on Heat Pumps—What Is It and How Does It Work?

All heat pumps are outfitted with emergency heat switches. This switch is meant to be used as its name implies—if there is an emergency. The emergency heat switch will turn on a strip, or strips, of electric heat and turn off the heat pump. When the temperature outside drops below 40 degrees, many Heflin residents will flip the switch in order to heat their homes up. While this will do the job, we don’t advise doing this. When your system runs in this emergency mode, it can use a lot of energy and send your utility bills skyrocketing.

Bain Heating & Air Conditioning recommends only flipping on your emergency heat switch if your heat pump has stopped heating your home. When it’s cold outside and it seems like your heat pump is constantly running, let it do its job. It’s actually much more efficient to let your heat pump run that it would be if your heat pump is working in its emergency mode.

If you notice that your heat pump isn’t keeping up with the cooler weather in Heflin, you should give Bain Heating & Air Conditioning a call. Investing in a backup heating system may save you some expense in the long run. We can install your backup system to work seamlessly with your heat pump. So, when it’s so cold that your heat pump can’t pull warmer air into your home, your thermostat can mechanically switch on your backup heating system. This method will keep your home cozy and warm on chilly days—and you can save your emergency heat switch for true heating emergencies.

If you want to hear more about ways you can supplement your heat pump’s heat supply or find out more about how your heat pump works, call our experts at (256) 363-2232. We’ll be happy to help. If it’s more convenient for you, you can also arrange an appointment with us online using our handy scheduler.

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