Auxiliary heat, also known as emergency heat or backup heat, is a secondary heating system that is used in conjunction with a primary heat source, typically a heat pump. The primary purpose of auxiliary heat is to provide additional heating capacity when the heat pump is unable to meet the heating demands of the space.
In a heat pump system, the main source of heat is the outdoor air. The heat pump extracts heat from the outdoor air and transfers it inside to heat the space. However, as the outdoor temperature drops, the heat pump’s efficiency decreases, and it may struggle to extract enough heat from the air to adequately warm the space. This is where auxiliary heat comes into play.
Auxiliary heat is typically in the form of electric resistance heating. It consists of electric heating elements that generate heat when electricity is passed through them. When the heat pump is unable to meet the heating demands, the thermostat senses the temperature difference and signals for the auxiliary heat to be activated.
Once the auxiliary heat is activated, the heat pump is essentially bypassed, and the electric resistance heating takes over as the primary heat source. This allows for a quick and efficient heating response, ensuring that the desired indoor temperature is maintained.
It is important to note that auxiliary heat should only be used as a backup or emergency heat source, as it is much less energy-efficient compared to the heat pump. Electric resistance heating consumes a significant amount of electricity, resulting in higher energy bills. Therefore, it is recommended to use the heat pump as much as possible and only rely on auxiliary heat when necessary.
One common situation where auxiliary heat may be needed is during extremely cold weather conditions. When the outdoor temperature drops significantly, the heat pump may struggle to extract enough heat from the air, and auxiliary heat becomes necessary to supplement the heating capacity. In such cases, it is important to ensure that the auxiliary heat is functioning properly and is set at an appropriate temperature to avoid energy wastage.
Auxiliary heat is a backup heating system that is used in conjunction with a heat pump to provide additional heating capacity when the heat pump is unable to meet the heating demands. It typically consists of electric resistance heating and should only be used as a secondary heat source to supplement the heat pump. Regular maintenance and proper usage can help ensure the efficient operation of auxiliary heat and minimize energy consumption.