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Emergency heat is the supplemental heating mode that is intended for use only in extreme weather conditions, while auxiliary heat is the backup heat source that kicks in when the heat pump can’t keep up with demand. Emergency heat uses a lot of electricity and should only be used sparingly.
When the weather gets extremely cold, the last thing you want to happen is for your heating system to fail. That’s where emergency heat and auxiliary heat come in. Both are mechanisms that are designed to keep your home warm when your primary heating system can’t keep up with the demand.
In some cases, the terms emergency heat and auxiliary heat are used interchangeably, but they actually refer to slightly different things.
In this article, we’re going to explore what emergency heat and auxiliary heat are, how they work, and when you might need to use them.
Emergency Heat
Emergency heat is an option on some hvac systems that can be used in situations where the primary heat source is not working. When triggered, emergency heat bypasses the primary heat source and uses the auxiliary heat instead. It works by using resistance heating, which is less energy efficient than the primary source.
It can be a lifesaver if your primary source is not functioning. The best practice for using emergency heat is to only use it when absolutely necessary, as it can be expensive to run. It’s important to have your hvac system regularly maintained to avoid triggering emergency heat unnecessarily.
Auxiliary Heat
Auxiliary heat is an additional heating source in your hvac system that kicks in when the primary heating unit can’t handle the load. It works by using an electric heat strip to warm the air that moves through the air handler.
This is different from emergency heat, which is used only when the primary heating unit fails completely. You should be careful when using auxiliary heat since it uses more electricity than the primary heating unit, which can be expensive. Best practices for using auxiliary heat include setting your thermostat to no more than two degrees above the current temperature to prevent unnecessary use.
Make sure to keep your heating system well-maintained to avoid auxiliary heat use.
How Does emergency heat Work?
Emergency Heat Activation Process
Manual activation of emergency heat is typically done by the user through a switch on the thermostat. This action is taken in response to a primary heat pump failure or its inability to maintain the desired temperature. The thermostat plays a crucial role in monitoring indoor temperature and controlling the activation of the emergency heat system.
Heating Mechanisms and Distribution
Emergency heat systems employ various heating mechanisms, such as electric resistance heating and gas or oil furnaces. Electric resistance heating involves electric coils that generate heat when electricity passes through them.
Gas or oil furnaces, on the other hand, burn fuel to produce heat, providing a reliable alternative to the primary heat pump. The generated heat is then distributed throughout the space using forced air systems or radiant heating systems.
Forced air systems utilize a blower fan to distribute the heat via ductwork, while radiant heating systems rely on heated surfaces, such as radiators or heated floors, to transfer heat to the surrounding air.
Thermostat Integration and Safety Considerations
Thermostats with emergency heat settings are essential for controlling the activation of the emergency heat system. During emergency heat mode, the thermostat disables the primary heat pump, ensuring that only the backup heating system operates.
To prevent potential hazards, such as carbon monoxide leaks in fuel-burning furnaces, it is crucial to perform regular maintenance on the emergency heat system. Proper ventilation is also necessary for fuel-burning furnaces to prevent the buildup of harmful gases.
Energy Efficiency and Cost Implications
Emergency heat systems are generally less energy-efficient than primary heat pumps, leading to higher energy consumption and increased utility bills. Therefore, the use of emergency heat should be limited to situations where the primary heat pump is unable to function effectively or has failed.
How Does Auxiliary Heat Work?
Auxiliary Heat Activation Process
Auxiliary heat is automatically activated by the thermostat in response to the primary heat pump’s struggle to maintain the desired temperature. This supplementary heating system works in tandem with the primary heat pump, ensuring that the indoor environment remains comfortable during colder weather.
Heating Mechanisms and Distribution
Common types of auxiliary heat systems include electric resistance heating and dual-fuel systems. Electric resistance heating uses electric coils to generate heat, which is then distributed throughout the space. Dual-fuel systems combine a heat pump with a gas or oil furnace, allowing for efficient heating during milder temperatures and switching to the furnace as temperatures drop.
The generated heat is distributed using either forced air systems or radiant heating systems. Forced air systems employ a blower fan to circulate the heat via ductwork, while radiant heating systems rely on heated surfaces, such as radiators or heated floors, to transfer heat to the surrounding air.
Thermostat Integration and Efficiency
Thermostats play a vital role in controlling the activation of auxiliary heat systems. They monitor the indoor temperature and automatically engage the auxiliary heat when the primary heat pump struggles to heat the space efficiently. Auxiliary heat, while still less efficient than the primary heat pump, offers better energy efficiency compared to emergency heat systems, especially in dual-fuel setups.
Cost Implications and Suitability
Auxiliary heat, though not as cost-effective as the primary heat pump, is generally more cost-efficient than emergency heat. By supplementing the primary heat pump during moderately cold weather, auxiliary heat helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures without significantly increasing energy bills.
Homeowners should ensure that their auxiliary heat systems are well-maintained and functioning optimally to maximize energy efficiency and minimize costs.
Emergency Heat Vs Auxiliary Heat: What’s The Difference?
Emergency Heat: Purpose
- Emergency Heat (EH) refers to a backup heating system that activates in case the primary heat pump fails or cannot maintain the desired temperature.
- EH is designed for extreme cold conditions, ensuring the indoor temperature remains comfortable despite the heat pump’s inability to function effectively.
Emergency Heat: Common Types
- Electric resistance heating: Utilizes electric coils to generate heat, which is then distributed throughout the space.
- Gas or oil furnaces: Burn fuel to produce heat, offering a reliable alternative to the primary heat pump.
Auxiliary Heat: Purpose
- Auxiliary Heat (AH) is a supplementary heating system that works in tandem with the primary heat pump to maintain the desired temperature.
- AH has activated automatically when the heat pump struggles to heat the space efficiently, typically during colder weather.
Auxiliary Heat: Common Types
- Electric resistance heating: Similar to EH, electric coils generate heat, which is then distributed throughout the space.
- Dual-fuel systems: Combine a heat pump with a gas or oil furnace, allowing for efficient heating during milder temperatures and switching to the furnace when temperatures drop.
Key Differences: Functionality
- EH serves as a backup system, only activated manually when the primary heat pump fails or cannot maintain the desired temperature.
- AH operates automatically, supplementing the primary heat pump when it struggles to heat the space efficiently.
Key Differences: Energy Efficiency
- EH is less energy-efficient, as it relies on electric resistance heating or fuel-burning furnaces, which consume more energy than heat pumps.
- AH, while still less efficient than the primary heat pump, offers better energy efficiency compared to EH, especially in dual-fuel systems.
Key Differences: Cost Implications
- EH can result in higher energy bills due to its reliance on less efficient heating methods.
- AH, though not as cost-effective as the primary heat pump, is generally more cost-efficient than EH, particularly in dual-fuel systems.
Key Differences: Suitability
- EH is suitable for extremely cold conditions or emergencies when the primary heat pump fails.
- AH is ideal for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures during moderately cold weather when the primary heat pump struggles to heat the space efficiently.
Which One To Choose: Emergency Heat Or Auxiliary Heat?
When choosing between emergency heat and auxiliary heat, several factors must be considered. Start by evaluating your HVAC system to determine which option is best suited for your home’s heating needs. Common pitfalls can be avoided by avoiding overspending on heating systems that are not suited to your home’s size and layout.
There are also various tips for optimizing energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness, such as sealing any leaks in the ductwork or investing in a programmable thermostat.
So, it’s important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of both emergency heat and auxiliary heat and determine which option works best for your home’s specific heating requirements.
FAQs
What Is Emergency Heat, And When Should I Use It?
Emergency heat is a backup heat source in your HVAC system that should be used during extreme cold weather or if your main heating system fails. It’s a high-energy option that can quickly heat your home but should only be used temporarily as it can be expensive to run and may damage your system if used for too long.
How Do I Know If My Heating System Is Using Auxiliary Heat?
To know if your heating system is using auxiliary heat, check your thermostat display for any indication of auxiliary heat being activated. Also, listen for the sound of additional fans running, as well as feel warm air coming out of the vents.
What Is The Difference Between Emergency And Auxiliary Heat?
Emergency heat kicks in when the outdoor temperature drops below freezing, and regular heat pumps can’t keep up. Auxiliary heat is used as supplemental heat when outdoor temperatures get too low and can be turned on manually. Both help keep your home warm in extreme weather conditions.
Can Using Emergency Heat Be Harmful To My Heating System?
Using emergency heat is not expected to be harmful to your heating system if it’s used in the right way. At times, it may be necessary to utilize emergency heat to heat your home, particularly in severe cold situations. However, it’s advisable not to operate emergency heat frequently, as it may lead to higher energy bills.
When Should I Switch On My Auxiliary Heat Instead Of Relying On Emergency Heat?
Switch on your auxiliary heat when the outdoor temperature drops below your heat pump’s balance point. It’s more energy-efficient and cost-effective than relying on emergency heat, which should only be used if your primary heating system fails.