Learning your System in the Cooler Temperatures

January 22, 2023

Cooler temperatures are on the way, and it is important to know what kind of heating unit you have in your home, whether it is an electric heat pump, gas furnace, electric furnace, oil furnace, or dual fuel system. At Union Power, we help our members manage their energy during cooler temperatures and save money.

If you are wondering how to determine what type of heating system you have in your home, below are numerous ways:

• Check what type of mode selections you have on your thermostat.

• If your thermostat does not have an emergency/auxiliary heat selection, this most likely means you have a gas furnace, oil furnace, or an all-electric furnace as your primary heating source for your home.
• If your thermostat has an emergency/auxiliary heat option, you most likely have a heat pump as your primary heating source, with electric or gas auxiliary heat. 
• Check the label on the outside unit for your make and model number.
• Call (704) 289-3145 and speak with one of our energy specialists to help you determine the type of unit you may have. 

Understanding what type of unit you have is important; knowing how to operate your unit for the highest efficiency in the long term is also beneficial. For example, with heat pumps, if you adjust your thermostat while in heat mode, make sure you do so in two–degree increments or less. If you raise the temperature setting more than two degrees above the room temperature, this will result in the emergency heat being activated and will run until the thermostat is back within two degrees of the set point, which could cause an increase in your energy consumption. 

Emergency/auxiliary heat will also turn on when the heat pump goes into its defrost cycle, which occurs when the coil temperature outside reaches at or around freezing temperatures. Heat pumps will automatically transition to the auxiliary heat mode during this time. Typically, a heat pump will become ineffective with outside temperatures at or below freezing and will have to rely on the emergency/auxiliary heat to maintain the home thermostat setting. 

If you notice your emergency/auxiliary heat is operating and the outside temperatures do not justify it, then it is recommended to have your unit inspected by a professional. 

Knowing the basics of your home heating system could provide you with the ability to ensure your unit is operating efficiently. Contact our energy specialist team if you have any additional questions or need further help.