What Does The “Emergency Heat” Button On My Heat Pump Do?
If you’ve ever looked closely at your heat pump, you might have noticed a button or switch marked “emergency heat.” This isn’t on all heat pumps, but it’s extremely common in northern areas where winters can get extreme – like here in Kingston and Brockville. If you push the button, it does exactly what it says, producing a lot of extra heat.
So why is this button there, and when would you need to use it? Let’s take a look.
How The “Emergency Heat” Button Improves Your Heating Services
The purpose of the “emergency heat” button is to provide extra heat in situations where it’s so cold outside that the heat pump struggles to work. Heat pumps are excellent, even down to freezing temperatures – but as the outdoor temperatures continue to drop, the heat pump will struggle.
So, the “emergency heat” button activates a secondary backup heat source, which is powered by either electricity or gas depending on your home setup. This supplements the heat provided by the main heat pump, ensuring you can remain safely warm, even if temperatures outside become genuinely dangerous.
However, like the button says, this should only be used in emergencies! As long as your heat pump is producing enough heat for you to remain comfortable, you don’t need it.
Warnings About Using The “Emergency Heat” Button
Here are a few other things you should know:
1 – Emergency heat will cost more
In effect, you’re activating a second heater. This will cause your gas and\or electric bill to go up, depending on how your heat pump’s emergency heater is set up. This is one of the biggest reasons not to use emergency heat unless you truly need it.
2 – The “emergency heat” light is sometimes a warning
If your heat pump has emergency heat, there will be a red light that illuminates when it’s activated. This should turn on and off if you push the button repeatedly. If you push the button and the emergency heat light stays lit, that’s actually a warning something is wrong with your heat pump. You should call in professional heating services for repairs ASAP.
3 – Extended use could damage your heat pump
Emergency heat isn’t intended as a long-term solution. If you have to run it for more than a day or so, you should call in a repair crew to see if there’s something else wrong with the heat pump.
Get a Free Quote on Heating Services in Kingston & Brockville
If you have problems with your heat pump, don’t delay when the weather is cold. Call in Toshack for heating services!