The Emergency Heat Switch on Heat Pumps - What is It and How Does It Work

March 12, 2018

The Emergency Heat Switch on Heat Pumps—What is It and How Does It Work All heat pumps are equipped with emergency heat switches. This switch is meant to be managed 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 your heat pump off. When the temperature outside dips below 40 degrees, many Safford residents will flip the switch in order to make it warmer. While this will do the job, we don’t propose you do this. When your system works in this emergency mode, it can use a lot of energy and send your utility costs skyrocketing.

B&D Air Conditioning recommends only flipping on your emergency heat switch if your heat pump has stopped heating your space. When it’s colder 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 than it would be if your heat pump is working in its emergency mode.

If you’ve found that your heat pump isn’t keeping up with the cooler weather in Safford, you should give B&D Air Conditioning a call. Investing in a backup heating system may save you some money in the long run. We can install your backup system to work like a dream with your heat pump. So, when it’s cold enough outside 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 warm and cozy on chilly days—and you can save your emergency heat switch for actual 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 functions, call our experts at 928-432-6018. Our team is happy to help. If it’s more convenient for you, you can also schedule an appointment with us online using our handy scheduler.