Emergency Heat: What It Is and When You Should Use It
As temperatures drop, homeowners with heat pumps often notice a mysterious little setting on their thermostat labeled “Emergency Heat.” And every winter, my team hears the same questions:
What does it do? Should I turn it on? Is something wrong with my system?
Decatur Heat & Air, Inc. cares deeply about keeping our community safe and informed, so let’s break it down in simple terms.
What Exactly Is Emergency Heat?
If you have a heat pump, your system actually has two heat sources:
- Your heat pump (the primary system) – This is what heats your home most of the time by extracting heat from the air outside, even in cold weather.
- Your backup heat source – Usually electric heat strips or a gas furnace (also called “auxiliary heat”).
Emergency Heat forces your system to run only backup heat, bypassing the heat pump completely. It’s kind of like a spare tire: You don’t drive on it unless you have to… but you’re grateful it’s there when you need it.
When Should You Actually Use Emergency Heat?
You should switch to Emergency Heat when:
- Your outdoor unit is frozen solid and not defrosting
- The heat pump isn’t turning on
- You hear mechanical noises like grinding or screeching
- The system is running, but blowing cold air
- When temperatures drop below 28 degrees. (depending on home insulation and age of unit)
In these cases, Emergency Heat keeps your home warm while preventing further damage to the heat pump until a technician can get there.
Does Emergency Heat Cost More?
Yes… unfortunately. A heat pump is designed to be extremely efficient. Backup heat—especially electric strips—use a lot more electricity. So, running in Emergency Heat can make your electric bill jump ( if you run it for several consecutive days). It’s there for safety and comfort… not for everyday heating.
Signs You Need to Call an HVAC Technician
- Outdoor unit iced over
- Heat pump not responding
- The unit is blowing cold air
At Decatur Heat & Air, Inc., our mission has always been to keep our community educated, safe, and prepared. Emergency Heat isn’t something to fear—it’s a built-in backup plan. But if you’re relying on it often, that’s your system’s way of waving a red flag.
If you ever have questions about your heat pump or thermostat settings, my team is here to help. We’re honored to serve this community and grateful every day for the trust you put in our company.
