The Cold Truth: Heat Pump Secrets Revealed

January 2, 2025

Cooler temperatures are here, and having a warm home is important when fighting the winter chill! As we approach these cooler temperatures, it’s important to understand the operation of your heat pump to help prevent equipment failures and unexpected increases in energy use.

If you have ever heard the terms “Emergency Heat, Auxiliary Heat,” “Strip Heat,” and “Supplemental Heat,” these terms refer to the electric auxiliary heat utilized by heat pumps. This auxiliary source of heat should only operate when the heat pump goes into a defrost cycle.

Defrost Cycle

This refers to the cycle of operation when the heat pump self-defrosts. This usually occurs a few times per hour, depending on the outside temperature and weather conditions. Some common complaints and concerns that arise during the defrost cycle are complaints of odd, loud noises and the appearance of steam or smoke rising off the heat pump. While this may seem odd, this is normal. This process is necessary to remove frost and ice buildup that accumulate during operation in cold temperatures.

Thermostat

Understanding the correct use of the thermostat is essential for ensuring proper operation of the heat pump. If replacing your thermostat, ensure a heat pump thermostat is used. Other heat source thermostats are not compatible with heat pumps.

• Mode selection should remain in the “heat” mode. “Emergency heat” mode should only be selected when heat is needed in an emergency.
• If the desired thermostat set point is to be increased, do so in one-degree increments. If there is a two-degree or more difference between the room temperature and the set point temperature, the emergency heat will activate. Keeping a specific thermostat setting based on your comfort and not adjusting the thermostat is the most energy-efficient practice.

Examining Your Heat Pump

Occasionally, perform a visual inspection of your heat pump. There should be no visible signs of ice buildup on the interconnecting copper lines that connect the heat pump to the indoor air handling portion of the heat pump; any visible ice indicates an issue with the heating system. While the heat pump is running, the outdoor fan should operate in conjunction with the compressor. A small amount of frost on the outside of the unit is normal when the temperature is at or around freezing temperatures. This frost will be removed during the heat pump’s defrost cycle.

If any of these issues are noticed, contact a HVAC company to inspect your heating system. For any questions about heat pumps and heating systems, contact one of our energy advisors at 704-289-3145.