Jan

15

Heat pump can’t keep up in frigid weather, how can I tell if auxillary heat is working?

Filed Under HVAC 

Rob asked:

Last night it dipped down to 14F (the coldest it’s been since I bought my new condo). Well last night the Heat Pump system could not keep up with the temperature I have set (68F). When I woke up this morning, the thermostat read that the indoor temperature was 62F.

I was under the impression that the auxillary “heat strips” would assist the Heat Pump to maintain the requested indoor temperature, but this obviously wasn’t the case. Is there any way to make sure the heat strips are indeed working? It is important to me to have the heater working because I have a 5-month-old at home.
Clarification: The programmable thermostat I use indicates that Auxillary Heat is engaged, and it was engaged all night, but still unable to keep up with demand.

Question posted courtesy of: Louis

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    • Comments

    4 Responses to “Heat pump can’t keep up in frigid weather, how can I tell if auxillary heat is working?”

    1. Zenkai on January 16th, 2008 5:15 pm

      You should have an auxilary heat switch, turn that on until temperatures get above 40

    2. Don M on January 17th, 2008 6:27 am

      Most heat pump thermostates have a emergence heat switch, and indicator light.

      This light is normally lit up when your unit is in emergency heat mode.

      If your unit held at 62f degrees temperature in 14f degree weather I can almost assure you that the emergency heat strips are working

      I wouldn’t hesitate to call the person who installed you unit and have him/her come check it out.
      Good luck
      P.S. You should have your unit served
      at least once a year.to keep it preforming properly

    3. Thermoguy on January 17th, 2008 11:10 am

      For winter application the heating system used here is going on inside walls that otherwise is under warranty call them are designed to accomodate the exterior.

    4. RICH @www.hvac-for-beginners.com on January 20th, 2008 12:08 pm

      For the breaker for the breaker for the heat you can check out the auxiliary heat and check to make sure there for more info including troubleshooting guide.
      For the heat and check to make sure there for the breaker for the auxiliary electric heat and check out the heat pump page at my source.