• Posted by: Erika Rios
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The emergency heat switch on a heat pump is a feature that allows the homeowner to switch from the heat pump’s normal heating mode to an auxiliary heating source, such as electric resistance heat. This switch is typically used in extreme cold weather when the heat pump may not be able to efficiently produce enough heat to keep the home warm.

Here’s how it works:

1. Normal heating mode: In normal heating mode, the heat pump uses refrigerant to absorb heat from the outside air and transfer it into the home. This is the most energy-efficient way to heat the home, as it uses less energy than the auxiliary heating source.
2. Extreme cold weather: When the outside temperature drops below a certain point, the heat pump may not be able to efficiently produce enough heat to keep the home warm. In this case, the homeowner can activate the emergency heat switch.
3. Activating the emergency heat switch: When the emergency heat switch is activated, the heat pump’s auxiliary heating source, such as electric resistance heat, will take over. This source uses more energy, but provides a quicker and more reliable source of heat during extreme cold weather.
4. Switching back to normal heating mode: Once the outside temperature rises above a certain point, the homeowner can deactivate the emergency heat switch and switch back to the heat pump’s normal heating mode.

The emergency heat switch is an important feature of a heat pump, as it allows the homeowner to switch to a reliable heating source in extreme cold weather. However, it’s important to note that using the emergency heat source will result in higher energy bills, as it uses more energy than the heat pump’s normal heating mode.

Whole home humidifiers use a water panel to infuse the air with moisture before circulating it through your home. The water panel is not a permanent component, and needs to be replaced on a regular basis. Over time, the water panel becomes clogged with minerals and debris from your water source. In homes with hard water, it’s often necessary to change the water panel more frequently. Do it in the fall before you begin using your whole home humidifier for the season, and check it throughout the winter to determine if another change is needed. Steps for changing your humidifier’s water panel:

Steps for changing your humidifier’s water panel:

• Turn off power to your furnace.
• Locate the panel cover on the outside of your humidifier.
• Slide out the enclosure that holds the humidifier water panel.
• Remove the old humidifier water panel from the enclosure. Dispose of the old panel.
• Insert a new humidifier water panel into the enclosure.
• Make sure the enclosure is inserted securely into the humidifier.
• Close or replace the panel.
• Power up your furnace.

If you are uncomfortable performing this humidifier maintenance checklist, call your local HVAC contractor to perform the maintenance your unit needs to operate correctly this season. The best time to have this performed is when you schedule your heating system’s preventative maintenance tune-up in the fall.

Many homeowners rely on portable humidifiers to add moisture to the air in certain areas throughout the home. These types of humidifiers require more frequent maintenance than whole home humidifiers. Use our portable humidifier maintenance checklist to care for your units this winter:

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