emergency heat switch

[jamo1]

On my heat pump thermostat, I have a switch setting for "Emergency Heat". I understand that this is for the times below 30 degrees when it's blowing only cold air?. Question is how long can I leave it in that position? Overnight is what I'm thinking and turning it back to normal heat during the day.

[beenthere]

Emergency heat. Is for when the heat pump doesn't work. Or if you are having a freezing rain.

If you use it the way you want. You will have a high heating bill.

[bmathews]

I would leave it on the heat setting and don't set it on emergency heat. Most thermostats will turn on the emergency heat when the heat pump can no longer keep up. Another option is to have your hvac contractor install an outdoor thermostat and lock the heat pump out below 30 degrees or wherever your balance point is. This will prevent the heat pump AND heat strips running simultaneously and really running up your electric bill.

[beenthere]

Another option is to have your hvac contractor install an outdoor thermostat and lock the heat pump out below 30 degrees or wherever your balance point is. This will prevent the heat pump AND heat strips running simultaneously and really running up your electric bill.

Economical balance point will be well below 30°.