All heat pumps are outfitted with emergency heat switches. This switch is meant to be used as its name implies—when there is an emergency. The emergency heat switch will turn on a strip, or strips, of electric heat and turn off your heat pump. When the temperature outside gets below 40 degrees, many Columbia residents will flip the switch in order to make it warmer. While this will do the job, we don’t recommend it. When your system runs in this emergency mode, it can use a lot of energy and send your utility bills skyrocketing.

Watts Electric & AC advises only flipping on your emergency heat switch if your heat pump has stopped heating your space. When it’s cold outside and it seems like your heat pump is constantly running, let it do its job. It’s actually much more efficient to let your heat pump run that it would be if your heat pump is working in its emergency mode.

If you’ve found that your heat pump isn’t keeping up with the cooler weather in Columbia, you should give Watts Electric & AC a call. Investing in a backup heating system could save you some cash in the long run. We can install your backup system to work effortlessly with your heat pump. So, when the weather is so cold that your heat pump can’t pull warmer air into your home, your thermostat can instinctively switch on your backup heating system. This method will keep your home warm and cozy on chilly days—and you can save your emergency heat switch for true heating emergencies.

If you want to find out more about ways you can supplement your heat pump’s heat supply or find out more about how your heat pump operates, call our experts at 601-736-7362. Our experts are happy to help. If it’s more convenient for you, you can also schedule an appointment with us online using our handy scheduler.