Air Source Heat Pumps work together with Auxiliary Heat

Air source heat pumps have gained popularity as an energy-efficient alternative for heating and cooling homes. These systems work by transferring heat from the outside air to the indoors during winter, and vice versa during summer. While air-source heat pumps are highly efficient in mild climates, they often require auxiliary heat sources in colder regions. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the need for auxiliary heat in air-source heat pump systems.

What Is Backup Heating?

Backup heating is a function that operates alongside heat pumps. Unlike a furnace, a heat pump does not generate its own warmth but extracts it from the outdoor air, resulting in lower energy consumption. This leads to reduced electricity costs for a cozy living space. However, heat pumps take some time to achieve the desired temperature. This is where the backup heating function comes into play. When your heat pump is unable to rapidly warm your home, it will activate the backup mode. Backup heating and your heat pump were engineered to collaborate in order to maintain a comfortable household.

There are 2 types of auxiliary heating:

1.  Electric resistance heating, which uses heat strips (standard with every heat pump) installed in your ductwork. This type of heating is highly inefficient.

2.  Gas furnace or other heating source, called a “hybrid system heat pump”.  You add a heat pump to your existing home heating system, and you also install integrated controls. The integrated controls automatically switch between the heat pump and your current heating system based on your chosen temperature.

For instance, if you have a heat pump that works very efficiently in temps down to -10 degrees Fahrenheit, you may want to set up the system so that it uses the heat pump by default, and then when the temps drop lower than -10, the system automatically switches to using your other heating method.

A hybrid heating system can save you between 30 and 50% on your heating bills.Wotech heat pumps can work together with multi-heat source, E-heater, solar panel or boileretc, heat your house intelligently.

When is Auxiliary Heat Needed?

1. When the temperature outside is below freezing

2. You need a high increase in temperature

3. The heat pump is in defrost mode

4. Emergency Heat Setting Is Turned On

Indications That Your Auxiliary Heat Is Malfunctioning

• The auxiliary heat remains active even after adjusting your thermostat.

• The defrost mode remains activated for a prolonged period, exceeding the usual duration.

• Your electricity bill shows an unusual increase.

• Your heat pump continues to operate in auxiliary mode for an extended period.

While air-source heat pumps are an energy-efficient heating and cooling solution in mild climates, they often require auxiliary heat sources in colder regions. The limitations of air-source heat pumps at low temperatures make it necessary to supplement them with additional heating systems. Electric resistance heaters, gas furnaces, and hydronic heating systems are commonly used as auxiliary heat sources. By combining these systems, homeowners can ensure comfortable indoor temperatures even in the coldest weather conditions.