EM Heat vs Heat
EM Heat vs Heat: Full Q&A Guide
If you’ve been exploring your thermostat settings, you may have noticed options like “EM Heat” and “Heat”. Many homeowners in Arvada, CO, wonder: what’s the difference, and when should each be used?
This guide answers the top questions about EM Heat vs Heat, including how it works, energy impact, costs, and troubleshooting.
For professional heating service in Arvada, call HVAC Arvada Pros at (720) 807-5158.
1. What Does “EM Heat” Mean on a Thermostat?A: EM Heat stands for Emergency Heat. It is a backup heating mode found on heat pump systems. Unlike the normal heat setting, EM Heat uses electric resistance heating (like a furnace coil) instead of the heat pump to warm your home.
Key point: EM Heat is not meant for daily use, only in emergencies or very cold weather.
2. How Does Regular “Heat” Work on a Thermostat?A: The normal Heat mode uses your heat pump to extract heat from outside air and transfer it indoors.
3. When Should I Use EM Heat?A: EM Heat should be used:
5. Why Does My Thermostat Switch to EM Heat?Common reasons include:
6. Is EM Heat More Expensive to Run?Yes. Electric resistance heat consumes 1 kW of electricity to produce 1 kW of heat (COP = 1).
By contrast, a heat pump can produce 2–4 kW of heat per kW of electricity (COP 2–4).
Result: EM Heat can cost 2–4 times more to operate.
7. Can Using EM Heat Damage My Heat Pump?No — using EM Heat itself does not damage the heat pump.
However:
8. How Can I Tell If EM Heat Is Activated?Signs EM Heat is running:
9. Can EM Heat Be Used Alongside Regular Heat?Yes — some thermostats allow hybrid mode, where the heat pump runs first, and EM Heat kicks in only if needed.
This is called auxiliary heat or emergency backup, providing comfort in very cold climates.
10. What’s the Difference Between EM Heat and Aux Heat?
11. Will EM Heat Work If My Heat Pump Is Broken?Yes — EM Heat uses resistance coils, so the home can still be heated even if the heat pump is completely offline.
This is its primary purpose: backup heating.
12. How Does EM Heat Affect Energy Bills?Using EM Heat continuously can double or triple heating costs, depending on:
For budget-conscious homeowners, avoid using EM Heat as the primary heating mode.
13. Should I Reset My Thermostat if EM Heat Is On?
14. How Do I Know if My Heat Pump Needs Service Instead of EM Heat?Call HVAC Arvada Pros if you notice:
15. Key Takeaways for Homeowners on EM Heat vs Heat
Professional Help in Arvada, CO
If your thermostat frequently shows EM Heat, or your heat pump isn’t performing efficiently:
📞 Call HVAC Arvada Pros at (720) 807-5158
🌐 www.hvacarvadapros.com
We offer:
If you’ve been exploring your thermostat settings, you may have noticed options like “EM Heat” and “Heat”. Many homeowners in Arvada, CO, wonder: what’s the difference, and when should each be used?
This guide answers the top questions about EM Heat vs Heat, including how it works, energy impact, costs, and troubleshooting.
For professional heating service in Arvada, call HVAC Arvada Pros at (720) 807-5158.
1. What Does “EM Heat” Mean on a Thermostat?A: EM Heat stands for Emergency Heat. It is a backup heating mode found on heat pump systems. Unlike the normal heat setting, EM Heat uses electric resistance heating (like a furnace coil) instead of the heat pump to warm your home.
Key point: EM Heat is not meant for daily use, only in emergencies or very cold weather.
2. How Does Regular “Heat” Work on a Thermostat?A: The normal Heat mode uses your heat pump to extract heat from outside air and transfer it indoors.
- Efficient in moderate temperatures
- Lowers energy costs compared to EM Heat
- Provides heating as long as the outdoor temperature is above the heat pump’s efficient operating range
3. When Should I Use EM Heat?A: EM Heat should be used:
- When the heat pump is not functioning properly
- During extremely cold weather (below the heat pump’s effective range)
- When a technician recommends it after repair or maintenance
5. Why Does My Thermostat Switch to EM Heat?Common reasons include:
- Heat pump cannot extract enough heat from outside air
- Defrost cycle failure
- Malfunctioning thermostat
- Electrical issue in the heat pump system
6. Is EM Heat More Expensive to Run?Yes. Electric resistance heat consumes 1 kW of electricity to produce 1 kW of heat (COP = 1).
By contrast, a heat pump can produce 2–4 kW of heat per kW of electricity (COP 2–4).
Result: EM Heat can cost 2–4 times more to operate.
7. Can Using EM Heat Damage My Heat Pump?No — using EM Heat itself does not damage the heat pump.
However:
- Extended use increases electric bills
- Frequent reliance on EM Heat may indicate a heat pump problem
- Ignoring the issue can reduce system longevity
8. How Can I Tell If EM Heat Is Activated?Signs EM Heat is running:
- Thermostat display shows EM Heat
- Heat comes more quickly, but air may feel hotter and dryer
- Electricity usage spikes noticeably
- Heat pump compressor may not be running
9. Can EM Heat Be Used Alongside Regular Heat?Yes — some thermostats allow hybrid mode, where the heat pump runs first, and EM Heat kicks in only if needed.
This is called auxiliary heat or emergency backup, providing comfort in very cold climates.
10. What’s the Difference Between EM Heat and Aux Heat?
- Auxiliary Heat (Aux Heat): Automatically supplements the heat pump when outdoor temperature is too low
- EM Heat (Emergency Heat): Bypasses the heat pump entirely and forces the system into full electric resistance heating
11. Will EM Heat Work If My Heat Pump Is Broken?Yes — EM Heat uses resistance coils, so the home can still be heated even if the heat pump is completely offline.
This is its primary purpose: backup heating.
12. How Does EM Heat Affect Energy Bills?Using EM Heat continuously can double or triple heating costs, depending on:
For budget-conscious homeowners, avoid using EM Heat as the primary heating mode.
13. Should I Reset My Thermostat if EM Heat Is On?
- Short answer: Only if you believe it turned on accidentally
- Better: Contact a technician if it activates unexpectedly
- Resetting may temporarily switch the system back to heat pump mode, but underlying issues may persist
14. How Do I Know if My Heat Pump Needs Service Instead of EM Heat?Call HVAC Arvada Pros if you notice:
- EM Heat running during moderate winter temperatures
- Heat pump not producing warm air
- Strange noises from the outdoor unit
- High electricity bills
- Frequent thermostat errors
15. Key Takeaways for Homeowners on EM Heat vs Heat
- Heat = normal, energy-efficient heat pump operation
- EM Heat = emergency backup, electric resistance, high cost
- Use EM Heat sparingly
- If EM Heat activates often, call HVAC Arvada Pros
- Routine maintenance prevents unnecessary EM Heat activation
Professional Help in Arvada, CO
If your thermostat frequently shows EM Heat, or your heat pump isn’t performing efficiently:
📞 Call HVAC Arvada Pros at (720) 807-5158
🌐 www.hvacarvadapros.com
We offer:
- Heat pump diagnostics
- Emergency heating service
- Thermostat troubleshooting
- Energy-efficient heating upgrades