What does AUX mean on ecobee?

This Alert is known as an Aux Heat Runtime Alert and it indicates that the ecobee has noticed a pattern of the auxiliary (Aux) heat activating a certain number of hours (or more) within the day.

Should auxiliary heat come on?

Auxiliary heat refers to your heat pump's backup electric resistance heating. Aux heat should only kick on when the heat pump can't produce enough heat to warm your home on its own.

What does it mean when the thermostat says aux?

“Aux” is short for auxiliary heat. If a heat pump is having a difficult time coming up to a certain temperature quickly due to extremely cold outdoor temperatures, the “aux heat” indicator means that a secondary heat source (generally gas or electric) has been deployed.

What would cause AUX heat to come on?

Aux heat will kick on when your heat pump cannot deliver enough warmth to heat your home. Typically, your heat pump will energize the auxiliary heat strip inside your secondary heating source to help reach its set temperature faster.

Why does my thermostat say aux heat?

When you see the “aux” heat indicator on your thermostat it means your heat pump needed some help reaching the desired temperature. It turns on automatically when the temperature falls about two degrees below the desired setting and turns off automatically when the target temperature is reached.

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Can you turn AUX heat off?

It's, unfortunately, not possible to manually shut off auxiliary heat. But it only turns on when your home needs warmth fast. So if you don't let the temperature drop quickly in your house, it won't come on.

How do I turn off auxiliary heat on my ecobee?

How do I fix my auxiliary heat?

The best way to troubleshoot auxiliary heat is by checking the supply and return air vents. If these are blocked, then this could lead to a lack of heating from your auxiliary unit. You should also check the filters in the furnace and clean them out if they're dirty.

Is auxiliary heat Expensive?

As we mentioned above, AUX heat usually costs up to 50% more than heat transfer, which means if your system is running on AUX heat when it shouldn't be, your heating bill is likely going to be a lot higher than you'd like it to be.

Is AUX heat the same as emergency heat?

Auxiliary heating turns on automatically to help heat your home more quickly if the temperature drops suddenly. The emergency heat setting has to be manually switched on and should only be used in temperatures below 30 degrees.

Why is my heat blowing cold air?

If your furnace is blowing cold air in your home, this is a sign of an issue with the flame detector, gas supply, air filter, pilot light, or condensate lines. Many of these issues are able to be easily solved on your own by sanitizing or replacing components in the gas furnace.

How does AUX heat work?

Aux heat automatically turns on when the outside temperature drops and prevents the heat pump from drawing in enough heat to reach the set thermostat temperature. In other words, aux heat is a supplemental component to a heat pump; they work together to ensure your home is comfortably warm.

What is the best setting for heat?

According to ENERGY STAR, setting your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) when you're home is the ideal balance of comfort and energy efficiency.

What temperature should I turn on emergency heat?

Your emergency heat setting automatically turns on when outside temperatures drop below a certain temperature, usually 30 degrees Fahrenheit. If you need to manually turn it on, you should call an HVAC professional to get your heat pump fixed.

What does it mean when auxiliary heat is running too long?

If your auxiliary heat operates for an unusually long time, you have a problem with your heat pump. Your auxiliary turns on because the indoor temperature thermostat is struggling to reach and maintain its set temperature. So, when auxiliary heat stays on, you can be certain the heat pump is malfunctioning.

Should heat pump and AUX heat run simultaneously?

The system is designed so that both can operate simultaneously. As long as the HP is producing some heat, it's more efficient to use the HP for whatever Btu's you can garner and allow the aux heat to be just that, auxiliary rather than primary.

Should my ecobee be on auto or heat?

Auto mode on your ecobee thermostat is great for maintaining a comfortable home temperature in milder climates or in-between heating and cooling seasons. While on this system mode, the ecobee will display two set points—one for heating and one for cooling.

How do I know if my auxiliary heat is on?

Here's how you can tell: It says so on your thermostat: The next time temperatures plummet, take a look at your thermostat. If the display says “AUX,” this means your heat pump is in auxiliary mode.

Is 72 a good temperature for heat in the winter?

The lower the temperature is inside of the home, the slower the rate of thermal energy loss. To achieve optimal comfort, it is recommended for homeowners to set their thermostats between 68 to 72 degrees while there are people inside of the home.

What is a good temperature to set your thermostat in the winter?

The ideal thermostat temperature in the winter is 68 degrees Fahrenheit when you're at home. Energy.gov suggests that 68 degrees is a good room temperature while you're awake at home but recommends lowering it while you're asleep or away.

What should HVAC be set at in winter?

While 30-40% is a good baseline for humidity levels in winter, you'll have to go through a period of adjusting temperatures and your humidifier to find your perfect setting. But once you do, there's no better feeling!

Why does my house feel cold at 73?

Your house could be cold due to an old air filter, a faulty furnace, improper insulation, or leaky ductwork. The simple fixes, like replacing an air filter, are relatively easy to complete. However, if the heater itself needs repairs, it's best to call in a professional to take a look and determine the problem.

Why is cold air coming out of my vents when the heat is on in my car?

Low Coolant Level

The coolant (usually a mixture of water and antifreeze) in your engine doesn't just work to keep the engine from overheating: It's also the source of heat supporting the heating system. If there isn't enough coolant in your system, the heater core will blow cold air into your car.

Why is cold air coming out of my vents when the heat is off?

The Reason Cold Air is Coming From Your Vents When the Heat is Off. Cold air coming from vents when the heat is off is usually due to a simple setting on your thermostat. Generally, when this issue is happening, the “Fan” setting is set to “On” instead of “Auto.”

Why is my AC blowing cold air but not cooling house?

Reasons why your air conditioner is running but your house is not cool can be: clogged air conditioner vents, thermostat is defective, or internal issues that need professional help.