Emergency Heat
Updated
Emergency heat is a thermostat setting that shuts the heat pump off entirely and runs the backup heat source alone: electric resistance strips in most systems, the furnace in a dual fuel system. It exists for one situation: the heat pump itself is down and you need heat while it gets fixed.
It is not a setting for cold days; the system already brings backup heat in automatically when it needs help. Left on electric strips, emergency heat costs considerably more to run, so it belongs on only as long as the repair takes.
Common Questions
What does the emergency heat setting do?
Flipping the thermostat to emergency heat locks the heat pump out and runs the backup heat source by itself. The house stays warm, but on electric backup strips it is the most expensive way the system can make heat, which is why the setting has its own switch.
When should I actually use emergency heat?
Use it when the heat pump itself is not working: iced over and not defrosting, making grinding noises, or simply not heating. Switch it on, then call (812) 994-1008 and we will give you a real arrival window while the backup carries the house.
Is emergency heat the same as auxiliary heat?
Auxiliary heat comes on automatically to assist the heat pump when it falls behind; emergency heat is a manual switch that replaces the heat pump entirely. If backup heat runs constantly even in mild weather, the system may be misconfigured or undersized, something a ducted heat pump installation done right avoids from the start.
Related Terms
Questions about your heating or cooling?
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