Emergency heat is a setting on a heat pump system designed to provide supplemental warmth when the primary heating mechanism is insufficient. This feature bypasses the heat pump and activates electric resistance heating elements to generate heat. As an example, if the outdoor temperature drops significantly below freezing and the heat pump struggles to maintain the desired indoor temperature, activating the emergency heat function will engage these heating elements.
The importance of this supplemental heating system lies in its ability to provide immediate and reliable warmth during periods of extreme cold or when the heat pump experiences a malfunction. Its benefit is the prevention of freezing pipes and maintaining a habitable indoor environment, especially critical during power outages or equipment failures. Historically, this type of heating was implemented as a backup system in areas with unpredictable or severe winters, providing a safety net against potential heating system failures.
