Electric Heat Pump

Barry_2

The Auxiliary light on the thermostat will illuminate when the primary source of heat (first-stage, reverse-cylce refrigeration) fails to satisfy the load. Second stage heat, which is most likely made up of resistive-type strip heaters, will be energized either when the temperature in the occupied space falls below the first stage temperature minus the differential of the thermostat. In many cases, hoever, as in the case of the T8411R thermostat, the second stage will become energized based on manual settings that permit the supplementary strip heater to operate at a rate of 3, 6 or 9 cycles per hour.

As far as the Emergency Heat light goes, most thermostats do not go into the Emergency Heat mode automatically. Emergency Heat is often used as a manual setting when the heat pump system is not operational. There are, however, some thermostats that will automatically energize the emergency heat mode if the system fails to satisfy the load in a predetermined period of time. What thermostat do you have on your system? Try to locate the installation and user's guide for the stat and determine how your particular thermostat handles the Emergency heat issue. If your thermostat does not automatically switch over to emergency heat, either you have ghosts in your house or there is a low voltage wiring problem.

One quick question.... If the temperature, as you mentioned, was in the 45 degree range, is the first stage heating able to satisfy the thermostat without bringing in the auxiliary heat? If not, there is likely a mechanical problem with the system, since the balance point (the point at which the heat pump will no longer be able to satisfy the load of the structure without supplementary heat) is typically in the 45 degree range (subject to structure construction, etc.) If the sytem operates only on first stage during periods of 45 degree temperatures, there is really no apparant reason why the emergency leat light will come on when the temperature drops to 30 degrees, unless there is a problem with the electric strip heaters or the associated wiring.

E-man

Electric Heat Pump

I'm a master plumber by trade and know nothing about HVAC. I have a heat pump and the AUX Heat light is on at the thermostat, while the other day the Emergency Heat light came one. We're in South Carolina with temperatures hovering around 45 during the day and about 30 at night. I'm afraid that something is failing and would like to self diagnose the system. Any help please?

Paul Mitchell

Not a big heat pump guy but

The AUX heat is probably one set of electric strip heaters coming on. If the emergency light comes on then I would guess that you are using only electric strip heaters because it is so cold the heat pump can not handle it. The lights should go out if you get up to warmer temps.

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Unknown

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jim lockard

red light

E-Man-- If that red lights coming on and staying on for any time, get that heat pump serviced. Red light should not be on for more then say 10/15 minutes max. That electric strip heat will really run your electric bill up. Check your filter keep it clean. Best Wishes J.Lockard

D lux_2

check the

outdoor unit for ice on coils keep the filter clean

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Dean

Heat Pump

What manufacture's heat pump system do you have, and is there an outdoor t-stat being used? Need more info.

Dean Meece
Territory Manager
Lennox Industries