When New York temperatures dip deep into the 30s or 20s, your heat pump will turn to its auxiliary heat system – electric heating coils.

The coils will bolster the warm air put out by the heat pump. They’re located inside your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system; they’re meant only for short-term use because they require a fair amount of costly electricity.

The coils are a supplement for the way a heat pump functions. It takes cold air from the outside and warms it, but excess cold air takes longer to warm, hence the coils.

When the indoor temperature gets uncomfortably cool the thermostat turns on the coils. Their job is to bump up the indoor temp to the degree listed on the thermostat; then it cuts out until the next time it is needed.

Note

Cold weather isn’t the only reason you see a “Aux” sign on your system. A dirty filter or low refrigerant charge can weaken the heat pump’s power, thus triggering the electric coils. That’s why it’s important to replace dirty filters and monitor the refrigerant.

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