Having a heat pump in your home serves as a great way to enjoy comfortable air all year long since it serves as both a heating and cooling system. The heat pump extracts hot air found outside and brings it into your home but features an emergency heat mode when you need extra comfort. When does a heat pump switch to emergency heat?
Discover the answer in this guide from the experts at DEAR Services. We specialize in heating repair services in Bellevue, WA, and can set the record straight on how heat pumps work both normally and in emergency heat mode.
Is a Heat Pump Worth Installing in Your Bellevue Home?
Heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners nationwide thanks to their versatility and environmental benefits. For residents of Bellevue, Washington, they serve as an excellent HVAC solution. This region experiences generally mild temperatures throughout the winter and doesn’t get too hot during the summer.
The local climate is ideal for heat pump usage since the system pulls in both heat and cool air from outside air or ground sources. It’s worth investing in a heat pump because you won’t have to rely on separate heating and cooling systems. In addition, heat pumps help cut carbon emissions by not relying on fossil fuels.
How Heat Pumps Function in Emergency Mode
Experts recommend using heat pumps if you’re in a temperate climate like Bellevue. Rather than producing heat through the combustion of gas or oil, heat pump systems use electricity to transfer outdoor heat back into your home. During the warmer months, they offer cooling by reversing this process and transferring heat outside your house.
This form of cold weather heating is fairly reliable until the temperature reaches a certain threshold and the heat pump must enter a different mode. When does a heat pump switch to emergency heat? Check out some key information you should know about your heating system.
All Heat Pumps Have Backup Systems
It’s possible to heat your home all winter without the use of a heat pump backup. However, all systems have auxiliary heating equipment that produces warm air via an electric resistance heater. This mechanism features coils that begin to warm up so heat can circulate around your home.
Remember that the purpose of this backup heating source is to provide comfort only in low-temperature operation. It will often trigger automatically if the outdoor temperature drops to 35 degrees or below.
Don’t panic if you’re experiencing cold weather and your house needs heat. Your heat pump will work efficiently until the outdoor temperature reaches this threshold and then resorts to its backup heat source.
Emergency Heat Kicks On During a Malfunction
When does a heat pump switch to emergency heat? The outdoor temperature doesn’t necessarily have to be low enough for emergency heating to trigger. The backup heat source will also automatically turn on when your system malfunctions and can’t provide adequate heating.
For example, during the defrost cycle, your heat pump extracts some heat from your house to prevent outdoor coils from freezing. If the defrost cycle goes on for too long or the coils happen to freeze because of external factors, you can still enjoy reliable heating.
Bear in mind that while emergency heat mode can keep your Bellevue house comfortable, it’s not a permanent solution. You should schedule a heat pump repair service to correct the underlying problem.
You Can Trigger Emergency Heating At Any Point
Ask an expert, “When does a heat pump switch to emergency heat?” and they’ll tell you that the system will switch to its backup source automatically when necessary. You can also manually change the settings so the heat pump operates in emergency mode at any time.
However, bear in mind that this will greatly affect the overall heating system efficiency. It’s more efficient to let the heat pump run normally and resort to emergency heat under special circumstances.
Choose DEAR Services for Superior Heating Solutions in Bellevue, WA
When does a heat pump switch to emergency heat? Is it worth attempting DIY AC repair for a minor issue? At DEAR Services, we have answers to these questions and more.
Our HVAC experts can help you overcome issues with your heating or cooling system, whether you use a heat pump, furnace, central air conditioner, or other equipment. We’re Bellevue’s trusted source for HVAC services, from installation to repairs and maintenance. Contact us today to request an appointment with one of our friendly technicians. Reach out now.