What is Auxiliary Heat? Everything You Should Know

You may have noticed the term ‘auxiliary heat’ on your thermostat and wondered, “What exactly is that?”.

We’re here to clear up the fog around this mysterious term. We’re Diamondback Plumbing & Cooling, your friendly neighborhood pros in all things temperature control, and we’re going to dive into the nitty-gritty of auxiliary heat. We’ll uncover when it comes into play and why it’s vital to your cozy, warm living space. So, buckle up and get ready to embark on this heat-filled journey with us!

What is Auxiliary Heat? — An Expert Guide

Auxiliary heat is like the superhero sidekick to your home’s heating system, ready to jump in when the going gets tough. Think of your primary heating source as the star of the show. It’s the main component working tirelessly to keep your home toasty warm. But every hero needs a sidekick, right? That’s where auxiliary heat comes into play.

When the degrees outside drop to icy levels, your primary heating system might struggle to keep up. It’s like trying to win a race with a backpack full of bricks – possible but downright exhausting. This is when your auxiliary heat steps in, saying, “Take a breather, I’ve got this,”. It provides the additional boost needed to keep your home warm and comfortable, ensuring that you’re never left out in the cold.

But don’t get confused. Your auxiliary heat isn’t meant to take over completely. It’s more of a tag-team situation. Once the temperatures rise to more manageable levels, your primary heat resumes its role, and the auxiliary heat retreats back, waiting until it’s needed again.

So there you have it – the dynamic duo of your home’s heating system. They might work differently, but they share a common goal: keeping you warm come rain, snow, or arctic freeze. 

Your Auxiliary Heat and Energy Consumption

Let’s talk about energy consumption. Imagine this – It’s the middle of a bone-chilling winter night, you’re snuggled up in your cozy bed, and suddenly, your trusty heating system decides to play a game of hide and seek with your warmth. 

A real emergency, right? Well, this is where our sidekick—auxiliary heat—jumps into action. But how does this affect your energy consumption, you ask?

Like a reliable friend, your heat pump works day in and day out, ensuring you stay toasty. But even the best of us need a break, especially when the thermometer starts flirting with sub-zero temperatures. When this happens, your heat pump might not be enough, and that’s when your auxiliary heat—often a furnace—steps in to save the day.

However, while this unit is a heat-generating powerhouse, it can be a bit of an energy hog, leading to higher energy consumption. While it’s incredible at solving the problem of a cold house, it can also lead to a spike in your energy bills.

And let’s not forget about waste heat. Just like that leftover slice of pie you can’t bear to throw away, waste heat can be reused rather than discarded. Innovative systems can capture this waste heat and use it to bolster your primary heating efforts, adding an extra layer of warmth to your home without the added energy costs.

So, while auxiliary heat is your knight in shining armor during those cold winter months, it’s crucial to consider its impact on energy consumption. Finding a balance between comfort and energy efficiency can lead to a warm, natural environment that you can enjoy. And isn’t that the dream?

Auxiliary Heat in Winter Heating

When the winter season swings around, bringing with it a flurry of snowflakes and icy winds, you’ll find your home becomes your personal sanctuary from the cold. But this is when the pressure truly mounts on your heating system. The colder it gets outside, the harder your heat pump has to work to keep your home snug and warm. It’s like trying to make a cup of hot chocolate with lukewarm milk—it just doesn’t hit the spot.

This is where auxiliary heat shines. If your primary heat pump is the hardworking employee, the auxiliary heat is the overtime. It’s the one who steps up when the workload becomes too heavy, ensuring your home stays as warm as a cozy fireside chat, even when the weather outside is like a freezer.

The auxiliary heat has your back, ensuring the frosty winter doesn’t transform your comfy abode into an ice cube. It’ll swoop in like the cavalry, providing the extra heat to combat that pesky cold creeping in through the cracks.

However, just like ordering takeout every night can bulk up your monthly expenses, relying too heavily on your auxiliary heat can lead to an increase in your energy bills. It’s a great sidekick, sure, but it can also be quite the energy (and money) guzzler. So, while it’s tempting to crank up the heat and transform your living room into a tropical paradise, it’s wise to remember that every paradise has its cost.

What is Auxiliary Heat? Everything You Should Know – Conclusion

Now that you know about the dynamic duo of your heating system, you can confidently navigate those bone-chilling winter months. Remember, your auxiliary heat is the trusty sidekick, ready to step in when the cold is too much. 

However, keep in mind that while it offers a backup solution, it can also be an energy hog. Therefore, it’s essential to balance comfort and energy efficiency to keep both your home warm and your wallet happy.

If you’re finding it a tad difficult to strike that balance, or if your heater is playing hide and seek with your warmth, don’t hesitate to reach out. Give Diamondback Plumbing & Cooling a telephone call! 

Our friendly, professional technicians are always ready to help. We offer regular service checks to ensure your heating system is running efficiently, catching any potential issues before they turn into big, chilly problems. That’s the reliability and peace of mind that comes with choosing Diamondback. 

Service Request

24 hour emergency service

Military, Fire, Police & Seniors
10% Discount

Discount applies to billable labor only. Work order must be less than $500.00 to be eligible. Cannot be combined with other discounts or proposed signed contract projects.

Service Area

Diamondback Plumbing is dedicated to providing exceptional plumbing services to a vast region beyond Phoenix. Whether you’re based in Tempe, Scottsdale, Glendale, or any of the surrounding locations, our seasoned professionals stand ready to meet your residential or commercial needs.

Schedule Service