What does it mean when my heater says AUX heat?

What does it mean when my heater says AUX heat?

“Aux” is short for auxiliary heat. If a heat pump is having a difficult time coming up to a certain temperature quickly due to extremely cold outdoor temperatures, the “aux heat” indicator means that a secondary heat source (generally gas or electric) has been deployed.

What causes auxiliary heat to kick on?

Aux heat will kick on when your heat pump cannot deliver enough warmth to heat your home. Typically, your heat pump will energize the auxiliary heat strip inside your secondary heating source to help reach its set temperature faster.

Does aux heat mean something is wrong?

Is AUX heat bad? The short answer is no. In fact, aux heat is a critical mechanism that keeps your heat pump properly running when the outdoor temperature drops. Since this type of unit doesn’t work the same as a furnace, it can get cold.

What is Trane AUX heat stage 2?

A 2-stage furnace with a 2-stage thermostat will begin in first stage (low burner, low airflow) and only go to second stage if the indoor temperature drops during first stage. This makes the furnace run longer, providing greater air circulation, temperature distribution, and air filtration.

How often should AUX heat come on?

When should my auxiliary heat come on? When outside temperatures drop below 40 degrees. While undergoing the defrost cycle. When there is a 3 degree difference or more in the current temperature in your home and the thermostat setting.

Is AUX heat the same as emergency heat?

Auxiliary heating turns on automatically to help heat your home more quickly if the temperature drops suddenly. The emergency heat setting has to be manually switched on and should only be used in temperatures below 30 degrees.

Is AUX heat normal?

So, your heat pump switches to “AUX heat” when it’s in heating mode—and you’re wondering if it’s normal. Auxiliary heat kicks on when your heat pump can’t produce enough heat to warm your home by itself. AUX heat mode is normal when: The temperature outside is below freezing.

When should AUX heat come on?

Aux heat should only kick on when the heat pump can’t produce enough heat to warm your home on its own. This is typically caused by one of three factors: when it’s below 35° outside, you’re trying to heat your home by 3° or more, or your heat pump is in defrost mode.

How do I know if my auxiliary heat is on?

Aux heat appears as a setting on a wall thermostat. If you don’t see an aux heat enabling switch or an aux heat light on your thermostat, then your heating system doesn’t have it. On the mechanical or equipment side, heat pumps with aux heat contain another section to their air handler.

How do I stop my auxiliary heat from coming on?

Shut the door and close the vents so that the rest of the warm air can be redirected to the rest of your home. If the temperatures are extremely frigid outside, even this may be too much for your unit. You may need to make some additional changes to your home to keep the auxiliary heat from coming on.

Should heat pump and AUX heat run simultaneously?

Allow Heat Pump/Auxiliary Heat to Run Simultaneously: If you select Yes and there is a source of auxiliary heat, both auxiliary heat and heat pump will turn on. This option should also be used for installation where the heat pump evaporator coil is downstream from the source of auxiliary heat.