Heat Pump Emergency Heat Settings

[ed9871]

Hello, new to the site and having some heat pump issues. I live in TN and have a heat pump with backup electric heat strips. Over the summer my thermostats were replaced by my local HVAC tech. Air conditioning worked great all summer. Since its gotten cold, the heat doesn't seem to work properly. The thermostats were rechecked by the same company and confirmed to be installed correctly. My issue is that the regular heat pump heat doesn't seem to ever increase the temperature in the house. The air blowing isn't cold like AC, it just isn't that warm either. When the heat strips come on, the air is very hot and warms the house very quickly. I know when it is really cold this is the desired result, but the heat strips come on (after running the heat pump alone for a bit) even when the temperature outside is in the 40s. I can set the thermostats to never turn on the heat strips, and then the heat pump runs forever without ever increasing the temperature in the house. Is there something that would cause the heat pump to not heat properly? My latest electric bill was $600, and I am sure it is from running the heat strips so much. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Ed

[doc havoc]

Most likely a refrigerant issue. If the heat pump comes on when turned on at the t-stat, the stat is working. Possibly a defrost issue, but I doubt it based on your description.

[gary_g]

I know when it is really cold this is the desired result, but the heat strips come on (after running the heat pump alone for a bit) even when the temperature outside is in the 40s.

A properly functioning heat pump should produce air temps in the mid-90's with outdoor temps in the 40's.

The aux strips are coming on because the thermostat is sensing that the heat pump is not maintaining set point.

Take care.