When Should You Use the Emergency Heat Setting During Winter
Winter can be a beautiful season that brings a lot of joy and comfort to some. However, it also brings colder temperatures that make us rely on our heating systems to keep us warm and comfortable. So what happens when our heating system fails or isn’t functioning properly?
This is where the emergency heat setting comes into play. In this article, we’ll explore what an emergency heat system is and when and how to use it during the winter season.
What Is Emergency Heat?
Take a moment to learn what emergency heat is before we get into answering “when should you use emergency heat setting” and the benefits it provides.
If your main heating source is damaged or malfunctioning, the emergency heat will switch on automatically. You can keep your house toasty even on the coldest winter days with the aid of a backup heating system.
The “EM HEAT” setting on the thermostat is the emergency heat setting for most central heating systems. As soon as you activate the emergency heat setting, the system stops using the main heat source and begins using the backup system instead. Because of the inefficiency of most emergency heating systems, they should only be used as a secondary heat source in the event of a power outage.
Benefits of the Emergency Heat Setting
While it should only be used in emergency situations, the emergency heat setting has significant advantages. Here, we’ll look at the general advantages of the emergency heat setting.
A Reliable Backup System
One of the most important advantages of the emergency heat setting is that it acts as a dependable backup system. If your main heating system breaks or isn’t working properly, emergency heat can come in and keep your house warm.
This is particularly important during the winter, when temperatures may dip dangerously low. Knowing that you have a backup system in place in case of an emergency can bring peace of mind.
Keeps You Warm in Freezing Temperatures
During periods of severe cold, emergency heat is very important. If your primary heating system is having difficulty keeping up with the demand for heat in frigid weather, emergency heat may supplement your primary system and keep your house warm and comfortable. This is especially useful for homes with small children or older family members who are more vulnerable to the cold.
Simple to Use
Using emergency heat is simple and straightforward. Most thermostats contain an emergency heat setting, often labeled “EM HEAT,” that you may activate if necessary. When you switch on emergency heat, the backup system kicks in and your house begins to warm up. Because there are no difficult installations or major repairs required, emergency heat is a simple and affordable solution for households.
Cost-Effective
While emergency heating is often less energy efficient than the main heating system, it can be a cost-effective solution under specific circumstances. For example, if your main heating system fails and you need a temporary solution, emergency heat may be less expensive than purchasing a new system or completing costly repairs.
Emergency heat is also a good option for homes that only experience severe cold weather a few weeks out of the year, since it can complement your main system while keeping your energy expenses in check.
Aids in the Prevention of Frozen Pipes
Aside from keeping you warm, emergency heat may help prevent frozen pipes. When temperatures drop below freezing, the water in your pipes can freeze and burst, resulting in costly repairs. Keeping your house warm and preventing the indoor temperature from dropping too low can help you avoid this. You can prevent the trouble and expense of dealing with frozen pipes by utilizing emergency heat.
Increases the Resale Value of a Home
Having an emergency heating system installed can boost the market value of your property. Potential buyers may consider emergency heat a useful feature, particularly in areas with severe cold weather. Having emergency heat already installed may save buyers the time and money required to install a backup heating system themselves, making your home more appealing.
Conditions Under Which It Is NOT Appropriate to Use Emergency Heat
Even though having access to emergency heat in the cold can be critically important, it is crucial to recognize when it is not necessary. Some examples of when it’s not a good idea to turn on the emergency heater are:
Continuous Application
Emergency heating is meant to be a secondary system, not the primary one. It’s not a good idea to rely on it as a regular heating source since it uses more energy and costs more money.
Temperatures Are Only Somewhat Cold
In a well-insulated house, the primary heating system should be sufficient to maintain a comfortable temperature all winter long. Emergency heat is not necessary when temperatures are only mildly cold.
Broken Thermostat Causing Incorrect Temperature Readings
Your emergency heat setting might be activated unnecessarily if your thermostat is malfunctioning. Emergency heat should only be used after your thermostat has been verified to be in working order.
How to Use Emergency Heat
Here’s what to do if you find yourself in need of emergency heat:
- Switch to emergency heat mode — Find the “EM HEAT” setting on your thermostat and activate it.
- Contact a qualified professional — It’s best to call in a qualified professional such as Autumn Air Heating & Cooling for repairs if your main heating system is malfunctioning. Repairing your main heating system without delay will save you from having to rely on backup heating for too long. You can learn more about how to hire a good heating and cooling company.
- Use it with caution — Only use the emergency heat source when absolutely necessary. Keep in mind that it is less efficient and more costly to operate than the main heating system, so it is better to switch back to the primary system as soon as possible. Return to using your main heating source once it has been repaired or begins working properly.
- Monitor your energy usage — Keep an eye on your energy use, especially while an emergency heating system is in operation. Once the main heating system is functioning well, switch back to it and monitor your power bill.
Final Note
Emergency heating is convenient in a pinch, but to keep your power costs predictable, you should return to the main heating system as quickly as possible and keep track of your energy use. If your main source of heat is malfunctioning, it’s important to have it repaired as soon as possible by a qualified professional such as Autumn Air Heating & Cooling, so you don’t have to depend on backup heating for too long.
You can call Autumn Air Heating & Cooling at (602) 266-5247">(602) 266-5247 or click here to book your appointment.