What is Emergency Heat?

Mar 24, 2019
Blog

At Northwest Heating & Air Conditioning, we understand that staying warm during the cold winter months is essential for your comfort and well-being. That is why we are here to provide you with all the information you need to know about emergency heat and how it can benefit your home.

Understanding Emergency Heat

Emergency heat is an alternative heating source in your HVAC system that ensures your home stays warm even if your primary heating system isn't functioning optimally. It acts as a backup plan, kicking in when your main heating system fails or when the temperature drops too low.

The Benefits of Emergency Heat

There are several advantages to having emergency heat in your home:

  • Reliability: Emergency heat provides peace of mind, knowing that you have a backup heating system in case of emergencies.
  • Comfort: With emergency heat, you can maintain a comfortable temperature in your home, even during the coldest winter days.
  • Protection: Emergency heat prevents your pipes from freezing, reducing the risk of costly damages due to burst pipes during freezing weather.
  • Energy Efficiency: When your primary heating system is not operating, emergency heat ensures your home remains heated without wasting excessive energy.

When to Use Emergency Heat

Emergency heat should be used in specific situations to ensure its effectiveness:

  1. Malfunction: If your main heating system is not working correctly or needs repair, it's time to activate your emergency heat.
  2. Power Outage: In the event of a power outage, emergency heat can be a savior, keeping your home warm until power is restored.
  3. Extreme Cold Snap: During severe weather conditions with extremely low temperatures, using emergency heat can help you withstand the cold.

How Emergency Heat Works

Emergency heat typically utilizes a secondary heating element, such as electric resistance coils, to generate heat. When your primary heating system fails, activating emergency heat mode enables these coils to provide warmth to your home.

Ensuring Proper Emergency Heat Functionality

To make sure your emergency heat system is always ready when you need it, it's essential to perform regular maintenance checks. Here are some tips:

  • Professional Inspections: Schedule annual inspections with a qualified HVAC technician to ensure your emergency heat system is in good working condition.
  • Regular Filter Replacement: Keep your system's air filters clean and replace them as recommended to avoid any blockages that may affect emergency heat functionality.
  • Testing: Periodically test your emergency heat to ensure it activates and functions correctly. It's better to be prepared and identify any issues beforehand than to find out during a heating emergency.

Contact Northwest Heating & Air Conditioning for Emergency Heat Solutions

At Northwest Heating & Air Conditioning, we specialize in providing reliable and efficient emergency heat solutions for homeowners. Our team of experienced technicians is here to offer expert advice, perform professional inspections, and ensure your emergency heat system is ready to handle any situation.

Don't compromise on your comfort and safety during the winter months. Contact Northwest Heating & Air Conditioning today to learn more about emergency heat and how we can help you stay warm when you need it most.