When winter is in full swing, you’ll be relying on your heat pump to keep you warm all season long. However, the time will come when you’ll notice an AUX heat icon displayed on your thermostat screen, which might be odd, especially if you’ve never seen it before. Should you call AC repair or just let it go away? Read on to find out about this nagging problem.

The Meaning of AUX Heat

Auxiliary heat and emergency heat are two separate modes for activating an electric resistance heating element.

• The electric resistance heating (AUX) element is found in some HVAC systems. Both these modes slightly differ from system to system, based on the model of the heat pump system.

For instance, some systems only have an auxiliary heat mode, but others also offer an additional emergency heat feature. The supplemental heat aids the heat pump system in reaching the set temperature. Since this is the same way they are programmed in different models, people may say they turned auxiliary heat on or off even though they were using emergency heat.

AUX heat is also turned on by the HVAC system automatically.

• Like AUX heat, emergency heat is a setting that activates the electric resistance heating strips to warm your home during the winter. The HVAC unit’s emergency heat is turned on manually to be your primary way of heating your home when the heat pump system malfunctions.

In contrast to the AUX heat’s automatic function, users must manually turn this mode on and off. This makes emergency heat significantly less efficient than auxiliary heat, and so it should only be used when necessary.

Overusing either mode will require AC repair since the heating system will stop working.

What Triggers AUX Heat?

Only three scenarios automatically power on an HVAC system’s AUX mode:

• Whenever temperatures are freezing.
• When the thermostat goes up in temperature.
• When the heat pump needs to defrost itself after a snowstorm.

Other internal problems that cause this malfunction include:

• Heat pumps that don’t produce heat.
• A fan motor that does not provide the necessary airflow to absorb or release heat.
• Low refrigerant levels prevent heat transfer from the outdoor coil to the indoor coil.
• A faulty compressor that does not transfer heat from the outdoor condenser to the indoor air handler.

These component breakdowns require immediate attention from AC repair services.

The Proper and Improper Times for AUX Heat to Work

If the auxiliary heating turns on simultaneously with the system’s initial power-up, it should only run until the HVAC system reaches the set temperature.

However, if the auxiliary heat runs every time you turn your heater on or runs longer than 30 minutes, or does not stop, contact an HVAC pro to have your system evaluated.

Remember, auxiliary heating is just an additional part of the heat pump system heating your home. While it is accepted for it to turn on in cold weather, you should note if it is operating for a prolonged period. Aside from a checkup, the device might need AC repair.

Stay Warm throughout the Winter Season

Auxiliary heat keeps your home warm in the winter or other cold seasons. If it’s running consistently, there may be a problem that needs a component or full-on AC repair. We know that heating and cooling are essential to every home, so get your systems checked now and then for a smooth running HVAC in your house.

Or, you can get in touch with CG Heating & Cooling for AC repair in Castle Rock, Colorado! We can handle all your HVAC needs because our crew is experienced, licensed, certified, and insured. Request your quote from us today!