All heat pumps are equipped with emergency heat switches. This switch is meant to be used as its name implies—in 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 gets below 40 degrees, many Spokane residents will flip the switch in order to make it warmer. While this will do the job, we don’t recommend it. When your system works in this emergency mode, it can take up a lot of energy and send your energy bills skyrocketing.
Bigfoot Mechanical recommends only flipping on your emergency heat switch if your heat pump has stopped heating your house. When it’s colder outside and it seems 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 working in its emergency mode.
If it seems that your heat pump isn’t keeping up with the cooler weather in Spokane, you should give Bigfoot Mechanical a call. Investing in a backup heating system might save you some cash in the long run. We can install your backup system to work seamlessly 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 mechanically switch on your backup heating system. This method will keep your home cozy and warm on chilly days—and you can save your emergency heat switch for true 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 509-392-8770. Our team is happy to help. If it’s more convenient for you, you can also schedule an appointment with us online using our handy scheduler.
