What Is EM Heat on My Thermostat?
Staring at the ‘EM Heat’ setting on your thermostat during a cold night and wondering “What is EM Heat on my thermostat?” Simply put, this is the Emergency Heat mode, a secondary heat source that takes over when your regular heat pump can’t cope. Knowing when to turn on EM Heat could be the difference between shivering and snuggling into comfort, but it also affects your utility costs. This article unpacks the essentials of what is EM Heat on my thermostat, helping you navigate its use and understand the financial implications of activating it at the right time.
Key Takeaways
The EM Heat setting on a thermostat activates a secondary heating system when the primary heat pump fails or is unable to maintain comfortable temperatures, resulting in higher energy consumption and costs.
Emergency heat should be manually activated only during true emergencies, such as heat pump malfunction or extreme cold, as it is not efficient for regular use due to its high energy usage.
Regular maintenance and promptly addressing any signs of heat pump problems can prevent the need for switching to the less efficient and more costly EM Heat or auxiliary heat modes.
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Understanding EM Heat on Your Thermostat
The EM Heat setting on your thermostat controls the backup heating system in your home. It is designed to provide emergency heat in case the primary heating system fails. It’s a feature typically found in heating systems equipped with a heat pump. When your primary heat source fails, the EM Heat setting enables the activation of a secondary heating system to provide warmth to your home. Activating EM Heat bypasses the primary heat pump, forcing the system to rely solely on the backup heat source. This critical feature comes into play during emergencies when the primary system fails. During these instances, it activates electric heat strips to supply heat.
Recognizing the importance of EM Heat in your thermostat is the first step towards harnessing its potential. And, it’s not as daunting as it may seem. All you need is a basic understanding of how it fits into your heat pump system and how to identify it on your thermostat. So, let’s take a closer look at the role of EM Heat in a heat pump system and how to locate it on your thermostat.
The Role of EM Heat in a Heat Pump System
EM Heat serves as a secondary heating source when your primary heat pump struggles to maintain comfortable temperatures. This typically happens when outdoor temperatures drop to a point where the primary heat pump can’t extract enough heat from the outside air. In such circumstances, the system switches to a more direct heat source – the EM Heat.
Activating the EM Heat setting on your thermostat has the following effects:
It bypasses the primary heat pump system and relies exclusively on the secondary emergency heat source.
This results in more energy consumption, as it engages a backup heating system.
It leads to the shutdown of the primary heat pump and compressor.
A thermostat must be configured to control a heat pump and an auxiliary/emergency heat stage to use EM Heat, which is exclusive to heat pump systems. The emergency heat source in a heat pump system equipped with EM Heat can be:
a gas furnace
an electric heat strip
oil
hot-water systems.
Identifying EM Heat on Your Thermostat
Identifying the EM Heat setting on your thermostat is a straightforward process. If available on your thermostat, you can locate it by checking the system setup or features list. For specific thermostat models like the Nest, the ‘Emergency Heat’ option can be found in the settings menu. However, not all heating systems require emergency heat, so it’s important to check the specifications of your system.
If locating the ‘EM Heat’ setting isn’t straightforward, don’t fret. You can always consult the user manual or contact customer support for guidance on your emergency heat thermostat setting. Some thermostats also provide a light or indicator to visually signal that the emergency heat setting is active. To manually turn off the emergency heat setting, locate the appropriate switch near the thermostat.
When to Use EM Heat: Emergency Situations
Understanding when to utilize EM Heat is crucial. EM Heat is designed for emergency situations, such as when the primary heat pump fails or when severe weather makes the heat pump ineffective. In these instances, the use of EM Heat becomes necessary to keep your home warm.
However, it’s important to remember that emergency heat needs to be manually activated when required and will continue to operate until manually turned off. This underscores the importance of user control in such situations, especially when it’s necessary to use emergency heat in the emergency heat mode.
Now, let’s delve deeper into two common emergencies where EM Heat comes in handy - heat pump malfunctions and extreme cold temperatures.
Heat Pump Malfunctions
Heat pump malfunctions are a common emergency that may necessitate the use of EM Heat. In such cases, the EM Heat setting on the thermostat can be activated to stop the heat pump and switch to the auxiliary heat source until repairs are made. This provides a temporary heating solution when the heat pump system is compromised or non-functional.
However, it’s crucial to recognize the signs of heat pump malfunctions to prevent further damage. Signs like a non-responsive thermostat or irregular temperature fluctuations can indicate that emergency heat may need to be used soon. So, always stay alert to the signals that your heat pump system may be sending.
Extreme Cold Temperatures
Another situation that calls for the use of EM Heat is extreme cold temperatures. Heat pumps are less efficient or may stop running efficiently at temperatures between 25℉ and 40℉ due to the diminished warmth available in the surrounding air. In such scenarios, EM heat is typically activated when the temperature drops to between 30 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit, at which point the primary heat pump can no longer extract heat efficiently.
However, it’s important to remember that EM heat should not be used continuously just because it’s chilly outside. It’s designed to be a temporary solution during extreme cold temperatures when the primary heat pump struggles to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Overuse of EM Heat can lead to increased energy consumption and higher electricity bills.
The Costs and Efficiency of EM Heat
While the EM Heat feature is undoubtedly useful in certain situations, it’s essential to consider its costs and efficiency. EM Heat uses far more energy than a properly functioning heat pump-based system. Thus, utilizing EM Heat on a heat pump system typically results in two to three times higher electricity bills due to increased energy consumption.
The high cost of emergency heat arises from its significant energy and power usage when compared to primary heat pump operation. However, the cost difference between running emergency heat and the primary heat pump can be influenced by several factors such as local energy prices, the efficiency of the heat source, and duration of system use. To get a precise cost comparison between using EM Heat and the primary heat pump, it’s best to consult with a professional HVAC technician.
Increased Energy Consumption
Engaging the EM Heat setting can have some drawbacks, including:
Bypassing the primary heating system and relying on a less efficient secondary system
Higher operating costs, especially if the secondary source is electric
Increased energy consumption and inefficiencies
Increased costs associated with the prolonged running of the emergency system
A sudden spike in electricity bills, without noticeable changes in home comfort, maybe a sign that the heating system is relying on the more costly EM Heat function. Thus, it’s advised to minimize the use of EM Heat to avoid unnecessary financial burden due to its high energy consumption, except in true emergencies.
Comparing Efficiency: EM Heat vs. Primary Heat Pump
In terms of efficiency, EM Heat is less efficient than the primary heat pump. Backup heating elements like electric heat strips, which are used in EM Heat mode, are less energy-efficient than the primary heat pump’s normal operation, particularly as outdoor temperatures decrease. This lower energy efficiency of EM Heat leads to higher electricity bills, making EM Heat a costlier option compared to the primary heat pump’s normal function.
Furthermore, utilizing EM Heat can result in a dramatic spike in weekly energy costs, significantly exceeding the expenses associated with normal heat pump operation. Therefore, proper maintenance and timely repair of the heat pump system can help avoid the need to use the less efficient EM Heat mode.
Auxiliary Heat: A Helpful Alternative
Now that we’ve understood the role, utilization, costs, and efficiency of EM Heat, let’s explore an alternative that works hand-in-hand with your heat pump system - the Auxiliary Heat, also known as aux heat. Aux heat supplements the primary heat pump when outdoor temperatures are too low, automatically activating and deactivating as needed. This makes it a helpful alternative that ensures your home stays warm even in extremely cold weather.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of this alternative, let’s delve into how auxiliary heat works and how it compares with EM Heat.
How Auxiliary Heat Works
Auxiliary heat in a heat pump system supplements the primary heat when outside temperatures are too low for efficient heat extraction. Heat pumps automatically switch to auxiliary heat when the outdoor temperature drops below the efficient operating range, typically around 35 degrees Fahrenheit. The activation of auxiliary heat can be confirmed by an ‘AUX’ indicator on the thermostat or the presence of electric heat strips in the indoor air handler.
Auxiliary heat in heat pump systems generates warmth through electric resistance heating coils when the heat pump can’t extract enough heat from the outside air. However, if auxiliary heat is used frequently, it can lead to a higher energy bill as electric resistance heating is less efficient than the heat pump’s normal operation.
Auxiliary Heat vs. EM Heat
While auxiliary heat and EM Heat may seem similar, there are some key differences. Here’s a breakdown of how they work:
Auxiliary heat is automatically engaged by the heat pump system when additional warmth is needed.
EM Heat, on the other hand, must be manually activated.
Auxiliary heat works simultaneously with the heat pump, supplementing heat by using electric heating coils when the outdoor temperature is too low for the heat pump to function efficiently on its own.
Once the external conditions improve and the primary heat pump can effectively heat the home again, the auxiliary heat turns off automatically.
On the other hand, EM Heat is used if the heat pump fails or is in temperatures of 30 degrees or below. It must be switched on manually and is designed to take over completely, whereas auxiliary heat is automatically activated to support the heat pump’s efficiency. Both auxiliary and emergency heat are designed to be temporary settings due to their high energy usage and impact on electricity bills. However, auxiliary heat should automatically turn off once the home or environment has warmed up enough for the heat pump to function normally, while emergency heat requires manual deactivation.
Maintaining Your Heat Pump System
Maintaining your heat pump system is crucial for its efficient functioning and longevity. Proper maintenance and swift repairs can help avoid the need for switching to EM Heating by preventing heat pump issues. After all, prevention is always better than cure.
In this section, we’ll provide tips on regular maintenance of your heat pump system and how to recognize signs of potential problems. This proactive approach will help you avoid unnecessary energy consumption and costly repairs or replacements.
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your heat pump system includes tasks like cleaning or replacing air filters, maintaining the outdoor unit’s perimeter, and scheduling annual professional maintenance. These steps are crucial to keep the heat pump running efficiently. For instance, checking the filter once a month for dirtiness and replacing it when necessary can significantly improve the system’s performance.
Other maintenance tasks include maintaining at least an 18-inch perimeter around the outdoor unit to prevent damage from shrubs and debris, ensuring good airflow and system efficiency. Before switching the heat pump from heating to cooling mode for the season, it’s also advisable to flush the indoor condensate line, ideally by a professional to avoid complications.
Recognizing Signs of Heat Pump Problems
Recognizing signs of potential problems in your heat pump system is as important as regular maintenance. Strange noises, smells, or inconsistent temperatures are some signs you should be aware of. For instance, a grinding noise from the heat pump could indicate dirty motor bearings, presenting a mechanical problem that needs attention.
Other signs include gurgling and buzzing noises that may suggest a system low on refrigerant, possibly due to leaks. Clanging or banging from the outdoor unit, often caused by the fan hitting other metal pieces, should be addressed immediately to avert further damage.
Strange smells, such as ‘dirty sock’ odor or fishy, vinegar-like scents, can indicate:
Mold
Mildew
Mechanical issues within the system
Electrical issues within the system
If the heat pump frequently switches to emergency heat without manual selection, especially during mild conditions, this might signal a malfunction in the heat pump compressor, requiring a technician’s inspection.
Summary
The journey through the world of EM Heat and auxiliary heat has been quite enlightening. We’ve learned about the role and function of EM Heat, how to identify it on the thermostat, and when to use it. We’ve understood the costs and efficiency of EM Heat, and how auxiliary heat serves as a helpful alternative. We’ve also emphasized the importance of regular maintenance and recognizing signs of potential heat pump problems.
In conclusion, while EM Heat serves as a vital emergency feature in your heat pump system, its frequent use should be avoided due to the high energy consumption and costs. Instead, regular maintenance of your heat pump system and swift repairs can help prevent the need for EM Heat. Remember, your heat pump system is a critical part of your home. Keep it running efficiently, and it will keep your home warm and cozy, even in the coldest weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use heat or em heat?
You should primarily use the heat setting on your thermostat for regular use, reserving the emergency heat setting for actual emergencies when your primary heating system is not functioning. Relying on emergency heat for regular use can result in higher energy costs and reduced efficiency.
What is the difference between heat and em heat on a Honeywell thermostat?
The "em heat" setting on a Honeywell thermostat is not for extra warmth but is a secondary heating system that acts as a backup in case the primary heating fails. It's often misunderstood as a setting for extreme cold temperatures.
Does EM heat cost more?
Yes, EM heat does cost more due to its higher energy consumption compared to a properly functioning heat pump-based system. It's best to avoid long-term use of EM heat to reduce expenses.
How can I identify the EM Heat setting on my thermostat?
To identify the EM Heat setting on your thermostat, check the system setup or features list in the thermostat menu. For some thermostat models like the Nest, the 'Emergency Heat' option is located in the settings menu.
How does auxiliary heat work?
Auxiliary heat in a heat pump system supplements the primary heat when outside temperatures are too low for efficient heat extraction. It is automatically switched on when the outdoor temperature drops below the efficient operating range, typically around 35 degrees Fahrenheit.
