What's That Emergency Button - Should I Use It?

With all these subfreezing temperatures, snow accumulation, and frozen water, you might be taking a closer look at your thermostat and heating system. You may have noticed a setting on your thermostat that says "emergency heat" and now you're wondering what that means and if you should use it during this extreme weather. Royal Heating & Air is the best heating and cooling company at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we are here to help you understand your HVAC system and how to best use the settings available to you. Keep reading to learn more! 

What IS Emergency Heat?

Emergency heat is the second stage of heat used in your heating system. When the temperatures drop below 32 degrees, your heat pump may need help producing warm air. A heat pump takes the outside air and uses it to produce heat in your home. When the air becomes extremely cold, it becomes harder for the heat pump to convert it to warm air. The emergency heat setting will bypass the heat pump in this situation and produce warm air using your electric furnace.

Should I Use It? 

When temperatures start dropping, your heating system should automatically switch and adjust how it produces warm air. It should automatically adjust and use its secondary heat source to help warm your home. If you notice cool air blowing from your vents, you can switch over to emergency heat to see if it helps. If you notice your heat pump not working or the outside unit is frozen, switch to emergency heat and then give us a call. You do not want the system to only use the emergency heat setting, so don't switch over to emergency heat unless you need to. It is meant to be used temporarily, hence the name "Emergency".

Is Emergency Heat Expensive?

Typically, yes. It is using more electricity to run the emergency heat source. Factors that could impact the cost is if you use gas or propane instead of electricity to run your heat. The cost will then depend on the cost of gas and propane. In most cases, it is more costly to use the emergency heat setting, which is why it is best to only use it when needed.

Do I Need an HVAC Tech?

Give us a call if you have any questions at all about your heating system. We know it can be confusing, but most of all we don't want you caught in an emergency situation. As mentioned above, if you notice cool air coming out of your vents or your home not warming up, it is time to give us a call. The best way to ensure your system is ready for the cooler weather is with regular maintenance on your HVAC system. Fall and Spring are the best time to get your system checked before the extreme cold and hot weather hits.

Lake of the Ozarks Heating Repair

Royal Heating & Air is the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we are here to help! If your furnace isn't keeping up, give us a call! 573-480-4313 We can help find the issue and fix it to keep your home comfortable and safe during this extreme weather. 

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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