(NEXSTAR) – Frigid temperatures, ice and snow are expected across much of the United States this week, meaning heating equipment virtually everywhere will be working overtime. According to HVAC experts, if you're not feeling warm, you may need to switch modes on your thermostat.
Many thermostats have a setting called EM heat, emergency heat, or auxiliary heat. Although you generally shouldn't rely on this to heat your home, it can be useful when your thermostat's normal settings aren't enough.
Under normal conditions, the heat pump does the main work. However, in the event of sub-zero temperatures or if your unit's heat pump fails, an EM heat setting can come in handy.
Often, this backup system will automatically switch on if it's particularly cold outside. However, if the house or apartment continues to get colder even after increasing the heating, it is recommended to manually switch on the emergency heating.
You can continue to use your emergency heat while you wait for a service technician to come check it out or defrost your heat pump.
Valley Service, an HVAC company in North Dakota, says, “This is much less efficient than your main heating system, so it should only be used in a true emergency unless you want to pay exorbitant heating bills.'' “There is,” he explains. 2021 posts.
If you switch to emergency heating, you will also need to request repairs. It should only be used to keep your home from getting too cold while you wait for your primary system to be repaired.
