Decoding the thermostat mystery: why does aux heat appear and what to do
What To Know
- Insufficient insulation in your home allows heat to escape, making it harder for your primary heating system to maintain a comfortable temperature.
- In the event of a primary heating system failure, aux heat acts as a backup to prevent your home from becoming too cold.
- On most thermostats, you can disable aux heat by pressing the “Hold” button and adjusting the temperature to a lower setting.
When your thermostat displays “Aux Heat,” it indicates that your primary heating system is struggling to maintain the desired temperature. In this situation, your thermostat activates an auxiliary heat source to supplement your main heating system.
Why Aux Heat is Activated
Several factors can trigger the activation of aux heat:
- Extreme Cold: During exceptionally cold weather, your primary heating system may not be able to keep up with the demand.
- Oversized Home: If your heating system is undersized for the size of your home, it may not be able to adequately heat the entire space.
- Poor Insulation: Insufficient insulation in your home allows heat to escape, making it harder for your primary heating system to maintain a comfortable temperature.
- Malfunctioning Heating System: Issues with your primary heating system, such as a clogged filter or faulty component, can limit its effectiveness.
Types of Auxiliary Heat Sources
Depending on your home’s setup, different types of auxiliary heat sources may be used:
- Electric Resistance Heat: This involves using electric coils to generate heat. It is a common and inexpensive option but can be less efficient than other methods.
- Gas Furnace: A gas furnace provides supplemental heat by burning gas. It is a more efficient and powerful option than electric resistance heat.
- Heat Pump with Backup Heat: Heat pumps typically use electricity to transfer heat, but they may have a backup heating element that engages during extreme cold.
Benefits of Aux Heat
- Additional Warmth: Aux heat provides extra heat to ensure your home stays comfortable, even during the coldest days.
- Reduced Strain on Primary Heating System: By sharing the heating load, aux heat can extend the lifespan of your primary heating system.
- Emergency Backup: In the event of a primary heating system failure, aux heat acts as a backup to prevent your home from becoming too cold.
Drawbacks of Aux Heat
- Increased Energy Consumption: Running aux heat can significantly increase your energy bills, especially if it is used frequently.
- Reduced Efficiency: Aux heat sources are typically less efficient than primary heating systems, resulting in higher energy costs.
- Noise and Air Quality: Electric resistance heat can produce noise, and gas furnaces may release emissions that can affect indoor air quality.
Tips for Minimizing Aux Heat Usage
- Ensure Proper Insulation: Improve the insulation in your home to reduce heat loss and make your primary heating system more effective.
- Size Your Heating System Appropriately: Have a professional assess your home’s heating needs and ensure your system is sized correctly.
- Maintain Your Heating System: Regularly service and maintain your primary heating system to prevent malfunctions that can trigger aux heat.
- Use a Programmable Thermostat: Set your thermostat to lower temperatures during times when you are away or sleeping to reduce the need for aux heat.
Wrapping Up
Understanding why your thermostat says “Aux Heat” is crucial for maintaining a comfortable and energy-efficient home. Auxiliary heat sources provide supplemental warmth but come with potential drawbacks. By minimizing aux heat usage through proper insulation, system maintenance, and energy-conscious practices, you can ensure your home stays warm and cozy without breaking the bank.
What You Need to Know
Q: Can I run aux heat all the time?
A: No, running aux heat constantly can lead to excessive energy consumption and increased utility bills.
Q: Why does my aux heat keep turning on and off?
A: This may indicate a problem with your primary heating system or insufficient insulation. Consider having your system inspected.
Q: How do I turn off aux heat?
A: On most thermostats, you can disable aux heat by pressing the “Hold” button and adjusting the temperature to a lower setting.
Q: Is it bad for my furnace to run aux heat?
A: While aux heat can put additional strain on your furnace, it is designed to operate in this mode. However, excessive use can shorten its lifespan.
Q: How much does it cost to run aux heat?
A: The cost of running aux heat depends on the type of source used, the duration of use, and local energy rates.