All heat pumps are outfitted 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 off the heat pump. When the temperature outside drops below 40 degrees, many Cedar Rapids residents will flip the switch in order to warm up. While this will do the job, we don’t propose you do this. When your system runs in this emergency mode, it can use a lot of energy and send your utility bills skyrocketing.
Ilten's recommends only flipping on your emergency heat switch if your heat pump has stopped heating your space. When it’s cooler outside and it feels 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 running in its emergency mode.
If you’ve found that your heat pump isn’t keeping up with the cooler weather in Cedar Rapids, it’s wise to give Ilten's a call. Investing in a backup heating system might save you some expense in the long run. We can install your backup system to work like a dream 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 instinctively 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 learn more about ways you can supplement your heat pump’s heat supply or find out more about how your heat pump operates, call our experts at 319-208-2351. Our experts are happy to help. If it’s more convenient for you, you can also schedule an appointment with us online using our handy scheduler.