Auxiliary heating (also called aux heat) is an extra heating component of a central heating scheme that uses an electric heat pump. Aux heat, which is an added heat source to the heat pumps when it cannot draw sufficient heat from the atmosphere outside, provides the additional heat. This happens when the temperatures fall below freezing, or when the air temperature drops to the low 30s Fahrenheit.

How do you determine if your Heat Pump also includes aux heat? What is the difference between an emergency heater and aux heat, if any? Is it possible, if your system doesn’t have aux heat, to install it?

What do a Heat pump and Aux heat do?

Two units are found in heat pumps: one is inside the home and one is outside. The coil inside the unit is for standard heating. It also contains aux heat coils. The outside unit, known as the heat pump or condensing unit, is required for standard heating.

Heat pumps heat water by using heat, not fuel. They only use a small amount of energy to circulate refrigerant in one location and transfer heat to another. This makes them ideal for both winter heating (moving heat inside the home) as well as summer cooling (heating the outside of the home).

However, the climate is an important factor in the heat pump’s efficiency. They can operate in mild climates but are unable to provide enough heat for temperatures below 32F.

This is where aux-heat comes in. Aux heat is an array of radiant heat stripes that use electric resistance heat (ERH). This means most of your heat pump’s electric energy is converted into heat. Aux Heat automatically switches on when the outside temperature drops. This prevents heat pumps from drawing in enough heat for the desired temperature. The aux heat is a component of a heat pump that works together to make your home comfortable.

Aux heat needs more energy to function. A heat pump can reduce your heating by about 50%, in comparison to ERH. Even though you may not notice that your central heating system is turning on the aux-heat, you will be more aware of the rising cost of your utility bills.

If your heat pump doesn’t have heating, you are responsible for determining how to get heating back up. A duel fuel system includes a heat pump and a furnace. Space heaters can be bought for very little upfront. They use much more electricity than heat pumps and so have higher operating costs.

With Or Without Aux Heating

Here are two ways to make it practical:

1. Climate type.Heat pumps without des heat are often sold in regions that have milder winters. However, heat pumps with aux heat more frequently sell in regions that have harsher winters. You likely have a heater with aux heat if your climate is cold.
2. Your thermostat. Your thermostat will show you the setting for aux heat. The mechanical or equipment side of heat pumps with aux warmth has another section. The most common auxiliary heating device is electric resistance heating elements. Einige is finned electric heating elements. They can be turned on when the heat pump isn’t drawing in enough heat outside to meet the thermostat.

The equipment for heat pump air handling units without au-heat isn’t included. This does not mean you can’t install aux heat. Aux heating is sometimes an option on heat pumps. This is most common for homeowners who experience mild winters.

If you want to learn more about auxiliary heating visit The Home Revamp.