Most Floridians want to warm their homes quickly when temperatures drop in Jacksonville. We may be tempted to try anything to warm our house on rare nights when freezing temperatures set in. Many standard thermostats today have emergency heat buttons, and if you are like most of us, you may be tempted to try it.
However, not all buttons need to be pushed. Is it a safe button to try, or is it something you need to leave alone? McGowan’s Heating & Air Conditioning wants to take a moment to explain the EM settings, what they are used for, and whether you should turn it on when the temperatures drop or not.
What is Emergency Heat?
Heat pumps are necessary for keeping your home comfortable. In the summer, they can pull heat from your home; in the winter, they can push heat into it. When temperatures drop outdoors, there may not be enough heat to siphon into your home. This is where the heat strip comes in. They warm the air and ensure your home is toasty.
However, there’s generally a secondary or auxiliary heating option. Most people have gas or electric heat, and when they are no longer effective, heat strips or emergency heat can kick in automatically. In most cases, this will happen when temperatures drop below 35 degrees. It is a helping hand for your heater. One that can kick in as your outdoor heat pump defrosts or has other issues. The process is seamless. Most people will never need to turn it on manually.
Should I Use the EM Heat Setting All the Time?
Your heating system is designed to work with both heat sources. It keeps you warm and reduces wear on one part or the other. Although it sounds like a delightful and simple way to warm your home quickly using EM heat, you should never set or use it as the primary heat source. If you accidentally activate the emergency heat, you can turn it off by pressing the switch again.
An emergency switch on your thermostat is there purely to back up your primary heating source. If you remove one or the other, your heating system will no longer be efficient, raising the cost of your electric bill through the roof. Who wants to deal with that?
What Should I Do If My Emergency Heat Turns On?
Emergency heating is just that. It is a backup heat for malfunctions within your primary heat source or those exceptionally cold days when your primary heater is unable to maintain your set temperature. It isn’t there, so you can warm up your home quickly when the temperature unexpectedly drops. If there is ever a time when you feel the need to turn on emergency heat because your home is colder than you think is ideal, EM heat is safe to use until help can arrive.
Trust the Experts when there’s an Emergency
The easiest way to ensure you never need to use emergency heat is to know that your system is well-maintained. This can prevent heat pump issues and ensure your heater is working effectively, no matter how cold temperatures become in our area. However, if something unexpected happens and your home is uncomfortable enough that you’re considering emergency heat, call McGowan’s Heating & Air Conditioning to check for any significant issues. We can check to ensure the heat pump is turning on and heating up properly. We will do it to ensure your home has the comfort level you want and you’re not wasting money needlessly due to a faulty heat pump.
