Stay Warm Through Texas Cold Snaps: Mastering Your Heat Pump’s Backup Features
When winter arrives in Central Texas, temperatures can swing dramatically—from comfortable 60s one day to below freezing the next. For homeowners with heat pumps, understanding how to use your system’s emergency and auxiliary heat features can make all the difference in staying comfortable during those sudden cold snaps.
Why Heat Pumps Sometimes Need Backup in Central Texas
Heat pumps are generally excellent for our climate, working efficiently during mild winter days by extracting heat from outdoor air. However, Central Texas can experience several weather conditions that challenge heat pumps:
- Sudden cold fronts that drop temperatures below freezing within hours
- Extended periods of below-freezing temperatures during winter storms
- Ice storms that can affect your heat pump’s outdoor unit
Understanding Your Heat Pump’s Backup Systems
Your heat pump comes with two important backup heating features:
Auxiliary Heat
This is your first line of defense against cold weather. Auxiliary heat automatically activates when:
- Your home needs to warm up more than 2-3 degrees quickly
- Outside temperatures drop below about freezing
- The heat pump is in defrost mode
Emergency Heat
Emergency heat is a manual setting that forces your system to rely entirely on its electric resistance heating elements, completely bypassing the outdoor unit. This should only be used when:
- The outdoor unit is malfunctioning
- Severe ice storms have compromised the outdoor unit
- Temperatures are extremely low and your heat pump is struggling to maintain comfort
How to Use Emergency Heat in Central Texas Weather
To make the most of your heat pump’s emergency heat feature:
- Monitor Outside Temperatures
- Keep an eye on weather forecasts for incoming cold fronts
- Be prepared to adjust your system when temperatures drop below freezing
- Using the Emergency Heat Setting
- Locate the “Em Heat” or “Emergency Heat” setting on your thermostat
- Switch to this setting only when necessary
- Remember that emergency heat uses significantly more electricity
- Return to normal operation once temperatures rise or issues are resolved
- When NOT to Use Emergency Heat
- During mild cold spells above 35 degrees
- When auxiliary heat can handle the heating load
- For routine daily heating
Maximizing Efficiency During Cold Weather
To get the best performance from your heat pump system:
- Regular Maintenance
- Schedule annual professional inspections before winter
- Keep outdoor units clear of ice and debris
- Replace air filters monthly during peak usage
- Temperature Management
- Avoid large temperature swings on your thermostat
- Consider setting a consistent temperature during cold spells
- Use programmable features to gradually adjust temperatures
- Home Preparation
- Seal any drafts around windows and doors
- Add insulation where needed
- Use ceiling fans clockwise to circulate warm air
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified HVAC technician if you notice:
- The emergency heat running constantly
- Insufficient heating even with auxiliary heat
- Unusual noises from your indoor unit
- Ice buildup on your outdoor unit that doesn’t defrost
- Significantly higher than normal electricity bills
The Bottom Line for Central Texas Homeowners
While heat pumps are ideal for Central Texas’s typically mild winters, knowing how to properly use your emergency and auxiliary heat features is crucial for those unexpected cold snaps.
While emergency heat is effective, be sure to switch back to your normal settings when the weather is above freezing. Keeping your system in emergency heat for long periods of time can raise your energy bill. Used correctly, these backup systems ensure your comfort without unnecessarily high energy bills.
Remember: Emergency heat is exactly that—for emergencies. For most cold weather in Central Texas, your heat pump’s standard operation and auxiliary heat will provide efficient and effective heating for your home.
Need help with your heat pump system? Contact a qualified HVAC professional to ensure your system is ready for whatever winter throws at us.
