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If you notice that your auxiliary heat (AUX heat) is coming on too often, you may be worried about higher energy bills and unnecessary heating costs. But don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll explain:
✅ What auxiliary heat is
✅ Why it turns on
✅ How to stop it from coming on too often
✅ Ways to improve your HVAC system’s efficiency
By the end of this blog, you’ll have a clear plan to reduce AUX heat usage and keep your home warm without overpaying.
What Is Auxiliary Heat? 🤔
Auxiliary heat is a backup heating system that helps your heat pump warm your home when it’s too cold outside. It usually turns on when:
🔹 Outdoor temperatures drop below 35°F
🔹 Your heat pump can’t keep up
🔹 You increase the thermostat temperature too quickly
AUX heat is powered by electric resistance heating, which is much less efficient than your heat pump. That’s why running it too often can raise your electricity bill significantly.
Why Does My Auxiliary Heat Keep Turning On? ⚠️
If your auxiliary heat is turning on too frequently, it could be due to:
1. Extremely Cold Weather ❄️
🔹 If temperatures drop below freezing (32°F or 0°C), your heat pump may struggle to pull in warm air.
2. Thermostat Settings Are Too High 📈
🔹 If you raise the temperature too fast (e.g., from 65°F to 75°F in minutes), your thermostat will activate AUX heat.
3. A Dirty Air Filter 🏠
🔹 A clogged air filter restricts airflow, making your heat pump work harder and triggering AUX heat.
4. Heat Pump Needs Maintenance 🛠️
🔹 Low refrigerant, a broken reversing valve, or a frozen outdoor coil can force your system to rely on auxiliary heat.
5. Thermostat Issues 📟
🔹 A misconfigured or faulty thermostat may be turning on AUX heat unnecessarily.
6. Poor Home Insulation 🏡
🔹 If your home is not well-insulated, cold air enters, forcing your system to work harder.
How Do I Stop My Auxiliary Heat from Coming On? 🚫🔥
Now that you know why your AUX heat is turning on, here’s how to prevent it:
1. Lower Your Thermostat Slowly 🌡️
🔹 Avoid raising the temperature too quickly.
🔹 Increase it by 1-2°F at a time to keep AUX heat off.
2. Use a Smart Thermostat 📱
🔹 A smart thermostat like Nest or Ecobee learns your habits and prevents AUX heat from turning on unnecessarily.
🔹 Set it to energy-saving mode for better efficiency.
3. Check and Replace Your Air Filter 🏠
🔹 A dirty filter blocks airflow and stresses your heat pump.
🔹 Replace air filters every 1-3 months for better efficiency.
4. Improve Your Home Insulation 🏡
🔹 Seal windows, doors, and ducts to prevent cold air from entering.
🔹 Install thermal curtains and use door draft stoppers.
5. Schedule Regular Heat Pump Maintenance 🛠️
🔹 Have an HVAC technician check your system at least once a year.
🔹 They will clean coils, check refrigerant levels, and inspect electrical components.
6. Switch to Emergency Heat Only If Necessary 🚨
🔹 If your heat pump stops working, use emergency heat temporarily until repairs are made.
Does Turning Off Auxiliary Heat Save Money? 💰
Yes! Since AUX heat is more expensive to run, reducing its usage will:
✅ Lower electricity bills
✅ Improve energy efficiency
✅ Extend the life of your heat pump
By following the steps above, you can keep your home warm without unnecessary costs.
FAQs About Auxiliary Heat 🔥❄️
1. Can I turn off auxiliary heat manually?
Most thermostats automatically control AUX heat, but you can reduce its use by adjusting settings and following the tips above.
2. What temperature should I keep my thermostat at to avoid AUX heat?
Set your thermostat between 65-70°F in winter and raise it gradually to prevent AUX heat from turning on.
3. Is auxiliary heat the same as emergency heat?
No! Auxiliary heat turns on automatically when needed, while emergency heat must be manually activated when the heat pump isn’t working.
4. Will a new heat pump reduce my auxiliary heat usage?
Yes! A high-efficiency heat pump can heat your home better, reducing AUX heat usage and saving money.
Final Thoughts
Auxiliary heat is a necessary backup but should not run all the time. By adjusting your thermostat settings, improving insulation, and maintaining your heat pump, you can reduce AUX heat usage and save money on energy bills.
🔥 Stay warm and energy-efficient this winter! ❄️💰
Would you like help choosing a smart thermostat or finding better insulation tips? Let me know in the comments! 😊
