TROUBLESHOOTING
STAGING
Second Stage - Auxiliary Heat
Most heat pump systems have an Auxiliary or Second Stage electric heater or gas furnace. Heat produced by a heat pump is economical but may not always have the capacity to maintain a comfortable room temperature setting. Auxiliary/Second Stage heat is usually less economical but the added heat capacity assures the system can provide enough heat to satisfy the thermostat setting. Digital thermostats have a
Typical operation:
In moderate weather with a low temperature setting (low demand) the thermostat may use only the heat pump to maintain temperature.
In colder weather or higher temperature settings (higher demand) Auxiliary Heat is used occasionally to supplement the heat pump.
In very cold weather (very high demand) when Heat Pump performance is low Auxiliary Heat is used frequently to maintain comfort.
The thermostat automatically adjusts to optimize comfort and economy using the lowest stage practical to make setpoint. The key to reducing energy costs and minimizing Auxiliary or Second Stage is to set the thermostat to the lowest comfortable heating temperature.
7
