All heat pumps are equipped with emergency heat switches. This switch is meant to be managed as its name implies—when there is an emergency. The emergency heat switch will turn on a strip, or strips, of electric heat and turn your heat pump off. When the temperature outside gets below 40 degrees, many Chelan and Wenatchee residents will flip the switch in order to make it warmer. While this will do the job, we don’t recommend it. When your system works in this emergency mode, it can use a lot of energy and send your utility costs skyrocketing.
Lakeside Heating & Air recommends only flipping on your emergency heat switch if your heat pump has stopped heating your home. When it’s cold outside and it feels like your heat pump is constantly running, let it do its job. It’s actually much more efficient to let your heat pump run that it would be if your heat pump is working in its emergency mode.
If you notice that your heat pump isn’t keeping up with the cooler weather in Chelan and Wenatchee, it’s time to give Lakeside Heating & Air a call. Investing in a backup heating system might save you some expense in the long run. We can install your backup system to work seamlessly with your heat pump. So, when the weather is so cold that your heat pump can’t pull warmer air into your home, your thermostat can mechanically switch on your backup heating system. This method will keep your home warm and cozy on chilly days—and you can save your emergency heat switch for actual heating emergencies.
If you want to learn more about ways you can supplement your heat pump’s heat supply or find out more about how your heat pump works, call our experts at 509-284-4265. We’ll be happy to help. If it’s more convenient for you, you can also book an appointment with us online using our handy scheduler.
