Having auxiliary (AUX) heat is supposed to protect your home if the temperature becomes extremely cold. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work as expected. If your auxiliary heat has been coming on for seemingly no good reason, Precision Heating & Air in the Dallas, GA, area is ready to help.
What Does “Auxiliary Heat” Mean?
The purpose of AUX heat is to provide a backup heat source for your heat pump. There are typically three reasons that auxiliary heat will come on: you want to heat your home by more than 3 degrees, the outside temperature has dropped below 35 degrees Fahrenheit, or your heat pump is going through its defrost mode.
You need an AUX heat setting because heat pumps can take longer to heat your home. Of course, they also happen to be much more efficient than most heating systems. Because of this, the best overall way to keep your indoor air at a decent temperature is by relying on your heat pump and your AUX heat.
Is Auxiliary Heat the Same Thing as Emergency Heat?
No, although some homeowners get confused between the two different settings. AUX heat is your secondary heat source. It will automatically turn on if your heat pump cannot make enough hot air to heat your home to your desired temperature. Meanwhile, your emergency heat setting must be turned on manually.
When you turn on the emergency heat, your heating system is forced to do all the necessary work. When you use your AUX heat instead, your heat pump will remain operational. Your heat pump will continue to utilize outside air to help your AUX heat. This means that AUX heat is much more efficient than emergency heat, costing you much less.
Common Reasons for Auxiliary Heat
As stated above, there are three common reasons for your AUX heat to run. But what happens if it keeps running and it’s not colder than usual, going through its defrost mode or attempting to heat your home by more than 3 degrees? The answer is quite simple: something is wrong.
If you want to keep your auxiliary heat properly functional, there are some things you need to check. First, ensure the outside unit and the surrounding area have been cleaned. Keep your heat vents and ducts clear of all clutter. Be sure to replace or clean your heat filter regularly. In most cases, it will need to be cleaned or replaced every couple of months. Also, do not use your emergency heat setting to handle a normal heating situation. Lastly, preventative maintenance can help prevent issues with your heating system, including AUX heat.
Make sure to schedule preventative maintenance with Precision Heating & Air, who has a team of skilled professionals ready to perform service for you every six months.
How to Know if Your Auxiliary Heat Is Malfunctioning
Some people will notice that their auxiliary heat keeps coming on. If you haven’t seen anything amiss, you’re far from alone. The good news is that your AUX heat will give you more warnings than simply coming on. Keep an eye out for any of the following warnings.
AUX Heat Runs When It’s Hot Outside
Unless the outside temperature is at 35 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, there’s a problem. For example, homeowners in Dallas, GA, won’t typically need their AUX heat setting to click on during the daytime. If it keeps coming on anyway, you’ll need a professional HVAC company to repair it.
You’ve Gotten a Much Higher Than Normal Electric Bill
Being familiar with your typical electric bills can help you spot an HVAC issue during the early stages. Let’s say, for instance, that your typical electric bill is approximately $150, but you just got a bill for $250. As long as there isn’t a dramatic drop in temperature or your energy company is dealing with a back billing issue, your AUX heat will likely be to blame. Dramatic increases to your bill typically mean that your AUX heat is either coming on too frequently or running constantly.
Your Home Is Too Warm
Has your home been over 80 degrees for no good reason? If you’ve already checked the thermostat to ensure it hasn’t been accidentally bumped up, then it’s time to call the professionals.
AUX Heat Isn’t Responsive to Changes in Temperature
When you turn your thermostat down a few degrees, but your AUX heat keeps running, there’s likely a problem. Reach out to a professional HVAC team before you end up paying a ton for your next electric bill.
Your Defrost Mode Stays On
Did you know your defrost mode isn’t even meant to come on unless your heat pump is covered by ice or snow? Even if it does come on, it shouldn’t stay on for more than a few minutes. If it does, you’re going to need expert assistance.
The HVAC System Won’t Switch to Air Conditioning
Has your Dallas, GA, HVAC system let you down by refusing to switch to its air conditioning setting? Your AUX heat could cause the problem.
Benefits of Upgrading to a Smart Thermostat
You can avoid issues with AUX heating by installing a smart thermostat. Here are just a few of the many reasons that a smart thermostat is the right call.
Cures Outdated Thermostat Issues
Whether you’ve got bad electrical connections, poor thermostat placement, or debris and dirt buildup, switching to a smart thermostat can solve your problem.
Has State-of-the-Art Features
Installing a smart thermostat gives you access to state-of-the-art features, such as automatic adjustments to fit your home’s specific needs.
Saves More Money Due to Energy Efficiency
You’ll love how energy-efficient a smart thermostat is. It even can know when you’re not home, which makes it turn down your heat.
Changes Your Temperature Remotely
If your thermostat has a Wi-Fi setting, you can change your temperature even if you’re not home. This is another fantastic way to reduce your energy usage, which will bring the overall cost of your utility bills down.
Takes Full Control of Your Home
Smart thermostats allow you to set a specific temperature for each room in your house. This is yet another way to maintain control of your energy usage.
Solve Your Auxiliary Heating Issues
Precision Heating & Air has served Dallas, GA, for over 30 years. We take pride in providing precise comfort solutions to our customers throughout the Metro Atlanta Area. We are proud to offer an entire array of heating and cooling services, including heating repair and installation, gas furnaces, heat pumps, AC repair and installation, air quality, dehumidifiers, and water heater services. No job is too small or too large for our experienced team to handle with precision. Customer satisfaction is our top priority on every project.
If you have been experiencing issues with your AUX heat, contact Precision Heating & Air today. Whether you need your heat pump fixed or a smart thermostat installed, we’re at your service!
