Skip to content

The Emergency Heat Switch on Heat Pumps - What Is It and How Does It Work?

November 13, 2018

Were you aware that your heat pump has an emergency heat switch? Bell Mechanical in Dallas-Fort Worth is here to tell you what it is and how it works.

All heat pumps are outfitted with emergency heat switches. This switch is meant to be managed as its name implies—if 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 drops below 40 degrees, many Dallas-Fort Worth residents will flip the switch in order to make it warmer. While this will do the job, we don’t propose you do this. When your system operates in this emergency mode, it can utilize a lot of energy and send your utility bills skyrocketing.

Bell Mechanical advises only flipping on your emergency heat switch if your heat pump has stopped heating your space. When it’s cooler 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 operating in its emergency mode.

If you’ve found that your heat pump isn’t keeping up with the cooler weather in Dallas-Fort Worth, it’s time to give Bell Mechanical a call. Investing in a backup heating system could save you some money in the long run. We can install your backup system to work effortlessly with your heat pump. So, when it’s cold enough outside that your heat pump can’t pull warmer air into your home, your thermostat can instinctively 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 real heating emergencies.

If you want to hear more about ways you can supplement your heat pump’s heat supply or find out more about how your heat pump functions, call our experts at 888-863-0560. Our experts are happy to help. If it’s more convenient for you, you can also book an appointment with us online using our handy scheduler.