When winter’s icy grip tightens, and your home feels like a popsicle, your heat pump might struggle to keep up. When your heat pump can’t keep up with plummeting temperatures, there’s a safeguard ready to step in–emergency heat.
Many homeowners are unaware of the built-in backup system their heat pump offers. It’s a crucial feature designed to operate during extreme cold or a heat pump failure, ensuring your home stays warm–but it comes with a cost.
In this article, we’re answering one question: What is emergency heat on a heat pump? Take a minute to explore everything you need to know about emergency heat: how it works, when to use it, and how to avoid the energy bill surprises it can bring.
Whether you’re a new homeowner or just trying to stay warm, understanding this feature can save you money. It can also help reduce stress during frigid Massachusetts winters.
Table of Contents
ToggleHeat Pumps 101: The Engine of Efficiency
Heat pumps are well-regarded for their energy efficiency, especially in climates that aren’t too extreme. They work by transferring heat from the outside air into your home, which requires less energy than traditional heating methods. Heat pumps are an ideal option for homes in moderate climates, where they can maintain a steady warmth without excessive energy consumption.
Something to keep in mind is performance. Heat pumps don’t work as well when temperatures drop. Once the outdoor temperature falls below 30°F or so, the heat pump struggles to extract enough heat from the cold air.
The result is that your system becomes less efficient and may fail to provide enough warmth. This is why emergency heat is an essential heat pump feature. Emergency heat rises to the occasion to solve the problem quickly when your heat pump can’t keep up.
Upgrading to a heat pump offers more than just energy efficiency–it provides peace of mind, especially when temperatures drop. Unlike traditional systems, many modern heat pumps come equipped with emergency heat, ensuring that your home stays warm even when the outside air becomes too cold for your system to draw heat effectively.
What Is Emergency Heat on a Heat Pump?
Emergency heat is a backup heating system. It activates when your heat pump can’t meet the demand for warmth. Unlike a heat pump, which draws heat from the outdoor air, emergency heat generates heat through direct electrical resistance.
Depending on your system, emergency heat may also use gas or oil. Some heat pumps, particularly those with dual-fuel systems, switch to gas or oil as an emergency heating method when outdoor temperatures are too low for the heat pump to function effectively.
Either way, the emergency heat function provides warmth during extreme cold or if the heat pump malfunctions. It kicks in only when the heat pump doesn’t work efficiently.
How Does Emergency Heat Work?
Your heat pump has a built-in “smart” system that knows when it’s in over its head. It constantly monitors the air temperature, and if the outdoor temperature drops too low for it to extract enough heat, the pump gives up and calls in backup.
Think of it like a runner who suddenly realizes they’ve hit their limit and waves in the relay team. When this happens, the heat pump shifts to emergency heat mode, bypassing its usual method of pulling warmth from the outside.
In this backup mode, the heat pump stops trying to harvest heat from the chilly outdoors and instead activates secondary heating elements like:
- Electric resistance coils
- Gas or oil burners
These components generate heat by converting electricity or burning fuel to immediately begin warming up your home.
Sometimes, though, your heat pump isn’t quite so dramatic and doesn’t automatically switch. In these cases, you can give it a little nudge by manually setting your thermostat to emergency heat. While this mode works well for urgent warmth, using it too much can quickly run up your energy bills, so it’s best to keep this “backstage pass” for when it’s truly needed.
When Should You Use Emergency Heat?
Emergency heat should be used only when your heat pump can no longer efficiently perform. This typically happens during extreme cold.
Here are common scenarios when a heat pump system may activate emergency heat:
- Extreme cold
- Prolonged snow or ice
- Frozen coils
- Low refrigerant
- Compressor failure
When the temperature falls below 32°F (0°C), your heat pump has a harder time pulling heat from the outdoor air. As it struggles to maintain warmth, emergency heat steps in to pick up the slack. Prolonged snow or ice buildup can also block airflow, preventing the system from working efficiently.
On the mechanical side, issues like frozen coils can prevent air from flowing, while low refrigerant makes it tough for the heat pump to transfer heat. If the compressor breaks down, the system stops working entirely, and emergency heat takes over.
Choosing the Right Activation Mode
In many modern heat pump systems, the transition to emergency heat happens automatically. Emergency heat activates when the system detects that the outdoor temperature is too cold for the heat pump to function efficiently.
This automatic switch ensures that your home remains warm even when the heat pump isn’t operating at full capacity. It’s an ideal feature for homeowners who may not know when they should activate emergency heat.
There is a caveat. Not all systems have an automatic switch. Some require manual activation via your thermostat.
If your system does not automatically switch to emergency heat, you’ll need to monitor the performance of your heat pump and manually select emergency heat when needed. In either case, it’s important to know how your system works and how to manage backup heating to avoid unnecessary energy consumption.
The Price of Emergency Heat
One of the most important things to keep in mind when using emergency heat is the potential increase in energy costs. While the heat pump operates efficiently by transferring heat from the outside, emergency heat relies on electric resistance heating, which can be less energy-efficient.
Using emergency heat frequently or for extended periods can lead to significantly higher utility bills. Even a single day of using backup heating can cause your energy consumption to spike. Additionally, if your area experiences a prolonged cold snap, relying too much on emergency heat can quickly become costly.
So use emergency heat only when necessary. Balancing the use of backup heating with proper heat pump maintenance will help mitigate potential high energy costs.
Keep Your System Running Smoothly
Proper maintenance keeps your heat pump running efficiently and minimizes the need for emergency heat. Without timely care, minor issues can turn into major problems, leaving your system vulnerable when you need it most.
Here are some essential maintenance tasks to keep your system in top shape:
- Change filters regularly
- Clear outdoor unit
- Schedule annual check-ups
- Monitor system performance
Staying proactive with maintenance helps ensure smooth heat pump operation and reduces the chances of unexpected breakdowns. Neglecting maintenance tasks could lead to issues like frozen coils or low refrigerant, forcing your system to use emergency heat and driving up energy costs. Poor maintenance also leads to a shorter heat pump lifespan.
While homeowners can handle simple tasks like changing filters and clearing debris around the outdoor unit, more technical maintenance, such as refrigerant checks and system diagnostics, should be left to a professional. Regular professional check-ups help catch issues before they become costly repairs.
Is Your Heat Pump in Trouble?
A malfunctioning heat pump can leave you in the cold (or heat) when you least expect it. If your heat pump can’t keep up with your home’s temperature needs, it may resort to emergency heat mode. Relying on emergency heat too often could signal that your system needs professional attention.
Here are the key red flags:
- No heat production
- Inconsistent heating or cooling
- Strange noises
- Foul odors
- Short cycling
- Frozen coils
- Constant operation
- Increased energy bills
If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s best to consult a professional immediately to avoid further damage and ensure your system stays in good working condition. Monitoring your heat pump efficiency and following heating guidelines provided by a professional HVAC equipment contractor can prevent costly repairs and keep your home comfortable year-round.
If your heat pump is struggling and it’s time for an upgrade, consider the energy efficiency of newer models. Through the Mass Save® program, you might qualify for rebates to offset the cost of installation.
Stay Warm and Save Money
If you’ve wondered what is emergency heat on a heat pump, we’ve covered much of what you need to know. Now it’s time to get serious about home heating.
At Endless Energy Home Services, we don’t just install heat pumps; we make sure they perform at their best so emergency heat is a rare necessity. Whether you need a new system or fast, reliable repairs, our team in Marlborough, MA, is here to keep your home comfortable all year long.
Reach out now to schedule your consultation. and experience the benefits of expert heat pump service.