Sudden HVAC Failure? How Emergency Heat Saves the Day

It's the middle of winter and you wake up shivering, only to discover your heater stopped working overnight. No matter how high you turn up the thermostat, warm air refuses to flow. Teeth chattering, you dash over to investigate and notice the thermostat now indicates "Emergency Heat." What does this mean and what should you do next?

Emergency heat activates when your main heating system fails, providing essential backup to prevent pipes from freezing and keep you reasonably comfortable until repairs can be made. While crucial, emergency heating is expensive and not intended for prolonged use. To avoid skyrocketing energy bills, it's pivotal to understand when and how to engage emergency heat appropriately.

Key Differences Between Emergency Heat and Auxiliary Heat

What is Emergency Heat?

Emergency heat refers to a secondary heating system that kicks in when the main HVAC system stops working properly. Nearly all heat pumps and other central heating units have some form of emergency backup heat, usually electric or gas-powered. This system allows enough warmth to prevent damage from frozen pipes when heating fails in winter weather. Emergency heat runs independently, meaning it will activate even during a home power outage if you have a gas-powered unit or generator.

What is Auxiliary Heat?

Auxiliary heat provides supplemental heating alongside the main HVAC system. Unlike emergency heat, auxiliary heat isn't intended as a backup or alternative. It simply gives an extra boost of warmth to maintain ideal comfort on especially cold days. For example, auxiliary strips of electric heat may switch on if the outdoor temperature drops below 30degF. Your auxiliary system runs more often than emergency heating, functioning routinely during cold weather rather than only upon failure.

Key Differences

In summary, the core differences come down to intended use and efficiency:

• Emergency heat is only for heating emergencies when regular HVAC fails.
• Auxiliary heat regularly supplements the main HVAC system to maintain comfort.
• Running emergency heat is less energy efficient than typical heating.

Understanding this distinction is key to minimizing costs and wear and tear on your home's heating systems. Emergency heat provides an essential backup, while auxiliary heat offers extra support preventing the need for emergency heat activation in many cases.

Knowing When to Use Emergency Heat

Signs Your Main Heating Has Failed

Warning signs indicating your thermostat has properly triggered emergency heat include:

• No heat despite raising thermostat temperature
• Unusual sounds or smells from HVAC vents
• Emergency heat kicking on frequently

If your home feels unusually chilly given the thermostat reading, thoroughly inspect your main heating system. Determine if heated air flows normally from vents. Also check that radiators or heated floors have not turned unusually cold. Any of these suggest a system malfunction requiring emergency heat activation.

Using Emergency Heat Sparingly

Emergency heating relies on high energy consumption backup systems like electric heating strips. Consequently, prolonged emergency heat use leads to exorbitant electricity bills. Limit operation strictly to equipment failures and power outages disrupting normal heating. As soon as possible, shut emergency heating off and address the core HVAC issue. Using it sparingly also minimizes strain on emergency systems, reducing wear and tear.

Supplementing With Other Heat Sources

In frigid conditions below 10degF, emergency heat may fail to warm your home adequately alone. To stay comfortable until repairs are complete, also utilize space heaters, heated blankets, and other secondary heat sources. Strategically placing these in frequently used rooms as supplements prevents freezing. Contact an HVAC specialist about running emergency heat at extreme temperatures if concerned about system damage.

Steps to Operate Emergency Heat Systems

Locating the Emergency Heat Function

Most programmable thermostats have a button or switch labeled "Emergency" or "EM Heat" to activate backup heating. Typical locations include:

• Next to temperature up/down controls
• Below your thermostat screen
• Behind a small door or access panel

If your model lacks any clear emergency heat controls, thoroughly check the thermostat manual or call the manufacturer. Most units have this function even if not visibly labeled.

Turning Emergency Heat On/Off

Once located, toggle your emergency heat button to "on" after main heating failure is confirmed. Choose whether to maintain the previous set thermostat temp or adjust warmer as needed. To prevent damage, keep emergency mode activated until completing system repairs and restoration of normal heating. Before turning off for seasonal shutdowns, ensure proper winterization including draining pipes and adding antifreeze where applicable.

Calling in a Professional

If unable to successfully engage your emergency heat system, or you require assistance diagnosing HVAC failures, promptly contact a qualified technician. While fees apply, they prevent costly damage from frozen pipes and interior elements. Technicians can also inspect your overall HVAC system health, provide maintenance, and confirm proper emergency heat functionality.

Preventing Emergency Heat Overuse

Be Aware of Increased Energy Costs

Never treat emergency heating as an ongoing main heat source. Depending on your utility rates and backup system, leaving it continuously activated can add hundreds of dollars per month to bills. Set a reminder to power emergency mode off again once resolving your main HVAC malfunction to avoid major sticker shock!

Inspect, Service HVAC System Regularly

Well-maintained heating systems less frequently require emergency heat activation. Schedule seasonal professional cleanings, replacements, and inspections as manufacturer recommended. If you notice cooling issues, strange sounds, or other problems arise between visits, promptly call in a technician.

When should you schedule preventative maintenance? Industry standards suggest:

• Replacing air filters monthly
• Professional HVAC inspection annually
• Complete system cleaning every 3-5 years

Consider Investing in Backup Power Sources

Installing generators or battery packs guarantees operational emergency heat during electrical failures. Though representing an added cost, these systems provide heating, lighting, and device charging even amidst weather-related power outages. Units adequately sized for entire home coverage run $5,000+, while smaller generators operate essentials under $1,500. Assess options suited for your budget and needs.

Upgrade Outdated HVAC Systems

If operating an HVAC system over 10-15 years old, upgraded models likely utilize improved compressor technology, have better insulated ductwork, and include more advanced emergency heating capabilities. While swapping units represents a major investment, increased reliability and efficiency pay dividends lowering monthly bills over time. Discuss options with HVAC technicians specific to your home setup.

Emergency Heat Performance in Extreme Cold

Supplemental Heating Often Necessary

Once outdoor temperatures drop below 10degF or so, even properly functioning emergency heating may fail to preserve livable indoor conditions alone. To avoid burst pipes and weather-related damages, utilize additional heat sources like:

• Space heaters
• Electric blankets
• Portable generator-powered jobsite heaters

Contact HVAC professionals to discuss whether running emergency heat for long periods at low temperatures risks compressor or coil damage in your specific system.

Contact Professionals About Options

For homes prone to extreme wintery conditions, discuss permanent supplemental heating additions with certified technicians. Possibilities include:

• Ductless mini-split systems just for extra cold snaps
• Better insulation and weatherproofing
• More heavy-duty emergency heating method

Ideally, upgrades provide enough warmth to meet the majority of heating needs without touching energy-hogging emergency reserves. Evaluate expenses against bill savings and convenience during bitter weather when planning improvements.

Emergency heat works behind the scenes preventing catastrophe when furnaces, heat pumps, or boilers unexpectedly fail. Without Emergency Heat mode keeping pipes from freezing or dwellings from becoming dangerously cold, many systems might suffer permanent damage. Just be certain not to leave emergency settings enabled longer than absolutely necessary to avoid utility bill shock.

Learn how your specific HVAC setup switches into emergency operation, and keep an eye out for warning signs like unusual thermostat readings. Schedule seasonal maintenance helping to prevent failures requiring emergency heat activation. And if you experience recurring extreme weather beyond your system's capabilities, explore permanent supplemental heating additions shielding you from the cold.