How do you know the emergency heat is working? How do you know the emergency heat is hooked up? This guide will explain what emergency heat is, how to check if it is functioning properly, and the tools needed for verification.
Understanding Emergency Heat
Emergency heat, often referred to as auxiliary heat or heat strips, is a secondary heating method in heat pump systems. In a split system, the emergency heat is located inside the house, typically in the attic or basement. In a package unit, it is integrated within the outdoor system.
During extreme cold or snowy conditions, switching to emergency heat prevents damage to the heat pump components and maintains indoor warmth.
Steps to Check If Emergency Heat Is Working
1. Verify Emergency Heat on the Thermostat
- Set the thermostat to a higher temperature than the current indoor reading.
- Select the emergency heat mode.
- Look for a display indicator that confirms emergency heat is engaged.
- Ensure the temperature rises within a few minutes.
2. Inspect the Thermostat Wiring
- Remove the thermostat cover to access the wiring terminals.
- Check if the W2 terminal (auxiliary heat) and E terminal (emergency heat) have properly connected wires.
- Ensure that the brown wire controls the emergency heat and the white wire manages auxiliary heat.
- If connections are loose or missing, proper rewiring may be needed.
3. Measure the Temperature from the Supply Vent
- Use a dual-induct thermometer to measure the air temperature at the supply vent.
- Emergency heat should produce air at least 20°F warmer than the room temperature.
- If the air remains cool, there may be an issue with the emergency heat system.
4. Check the Heater Kit for Functionality
- Open the heater panel on the unit to access the heating elements.
- Identify the incoming power connections (yellow wires) and outgoing connections (blue wires).
- Use an amp clamp to measure amperage on each wire.
- A working heater kit should show approximately 20 amps per heater element.
- If there is no amperage, inspect for wiring issues or broken heater elements.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. No Heat Output
- Check if the thermostat is correctly set to emergency heat.
- Verify that the unit is receiving power and the heating elements are intact.
- Ensure the brown wire for emergency heat is connected to the correct relay or terminal.
2. Heater Kit Not Drawing Power
- Inspect the wiring connections inside the unit.
- If wires are broken or disconnected, repair or replace them.
- Confirm that the heater kit receives the proper voltage (should be around 240V).
3. Thermostat Issues
- Some thermostats are designed for heat pumps but do not support emergency heat.
- Check the thermostat manual to confirm compatibility with emergency heat settings.
- Ensure the thermostat is correctly programmed for heat pump operation.
Final Checks and Recommendations
- Once repairs or adjustments are made, retest the emergency heat function.
- Measure the supply air temperature to ensure a sufficient heat increase.
- If the heater kit was replaced, confirm that all connections are secure before closing the panel.
- Use emergency heat during snowy conditions or when temperatures drop below 30°F to prevent damage to the heat pump.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your emergency heat is properly set up and functioning when needed. Regular checks and maintenance will help keep your heating system in optimal condition during the coldest months.
Additionally, don’t forget to inspect and maintain your water heater to ensure a reliable supply of hot water throughout the winter.
