If your thermostat is set to honeywell, then you might notice your auxiliary heat coming on for extended periods of time. Usually, this will only last as long as necessary until your home reaches the temperature set by your thermostat.
When this occurs, it could be indicative of an issue with your system. It’s essential to have it examined by a certified HVAC technician for further diagnosis and repair.
Thermostat Settings
Auxiliary heat is a secondary source of heating that many thermostats rely on when outdoor temperatures drop too low. Unfortunately, running this extra source of warmth can be expensive so it’s essential to know how to turn off auxiliary heat on your Honeywell thermostat when not needed.
Most thermostats feature a system switch on the left side that lets you set heating and cooling modes, as well as a fan switch to alter its operating mode. You may also adjust your set point temperature with the arrow keys.
When your thermostat is set to “Auto,” it automatically uses the setting that it deems most suitable for your current temperature situation. You can also manually override this default setting and choose another temperature or mode from the Auto selection.
Some Honeywell thermostats are programmable, meaning they can automatically change the temperature based on predetermined times and dates. You typically program your thermostat to follow a daily or weekly schedule that you create.
If your thermostat is programmable, you can modify its settings by tapping on the menu button on your screen and selecting “Schedule.” You’ll then be asked to pick when and how often you would like it to change temperature settings.
Once you’ve selected a day or time, click the “schedule” button on your thermostat to make the changes permanent. Your thermostat will remember these settings and automatically update itself when necessary.
The thermostat may also feature a lock feature to protect its settings from children or unauthorized individuals. Before trying to unlock your thermostat, consult its user manual for specific model and make sure you understand how to unlock it properly.
A Honeywell thermostat is an invaluable tool for controlling the temperature in your home. Not only does it save energy and money by maintaining a comfortable indoor climate year-round, but with some knowledge and practice you’ll be able to get the most from this valuable resource.
The Reversing Valve
The reversing valve is an integral component of your heat pump that allows it to switch between heating and cooling modes. It ensures year-round comfort in your home.
Reversing valves work by switching the flow of refrigerant through your heat pump. This means that instead of taking away heat from the air like an air conditioner, your heat pump adds warmth – which is why they’re sometimes referred to as “heat pumps.”
When you turn on your thermostat, it signals the reversing valve to switch between heating and cooling modes. This is accomplished through a small electrical component known as a solenoid that gives the sliding mechanism in the valve an extra push to move back and forth.
The reversing valve relies on pressure differentials to switch from one mode to the next. This difference occurs because refrigerant within it has two phases – low-pressure and high-pressure. When in cooling mode, refrigerant is under low pressure while during heating mode it’s under high pressure.
Your heat pump relies on refrigerant flow to switch between heating and cooling modes, which can be a huge advantage. Unfortunately, if the valve is malfunctioning or stuck in one mode, you could run into serious problems.
If you’re uncertain how to change your reversing valve, consulting an HVAC specialist is recommended. They can determine whether the valve is stuck or has other issues that need repair.
Your heat pump’s reversing valve is an essential element, and if it’s malfunctioning, you may need to replace it. While this fix can be tricky and time-consuming, licensed HVAC technicians typically make the fix simple and straightforward.
There are a wide selection of reversing valves for popular equipment models. To locate one suitable for your unit, search online or ask your local heat pump service technician for assistance.
The Furnace
If you’ve ever experienced the auxiliary heat on your Honeywell thermostat, you know it can be an annoying hassle. But there are ways to turn it off and prevent an abrupt spike in heating bills.
Most Honeywell thermostats that use a heat pump feature an auxiliary heat function. This backup source of warmth activates when the outside temperature drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Although using auxiliary heat is not recommended, it can be an effective way for your furnace to stay warm during cold weather conditions. When the auxiliary heat kicks on, your furnace will attempt to draw air from outside into your home.
Normally, it should take no more than 30 minutes for your auxiliary heat to warm your house to the temperature you have set. However, if it takes longer, there could be an underlying issue with its operation.
Your thermostat can be set to turn off auxiliary heat by setting it at a lower temperature than what the auxiliary heat requires. For instance, if it currently sets your internal temperature at 70 degrees, then set it to 60 or 80 degrees in order to prevent the auxiliary heat from activating.
Many thermostats feature an AUX light to indicate when auxiliary heat is on. This light, typically a red or yellow LED, will flash whenever auxiliary heat activates.
When temperatures drop below 40 degrees, auxiliary heat is an efficient way to keep your house warm. However, it’s pricier than using your heater, so it’s important that it is turned off when not needed.
Your thermostat’s auxiliary heat should only activate when the temperature drops below the required level and remain on until your heater can restore your internal home temperature back up to its required level. Typically, this process should take no more than 30 minutes; if it takes longer, contact a professional.
The Heat Pump
If your honeywell thermostat works with a heat pump, you might have noticed an auxiliary heat function. This backup heater kicks on when the thermostat doesn’t meet temperature requirements. This could indicate an issue with your heating system that needs professional HVAC maintenance.
Heat pumps are type of air conditioners that use refrigerant to move heat throughout a home. When there’s not enough refrigerant, the unit won’t be able to heat up your house properly – leading to costly utility bills and an inefficient system requiring frequent repairs.
It is essential to know your auxiliary heat function and when to turn it off. Auxiliary heat should only be used in emergencies, such as when your thermostat cannot reach the desired temperature. Make sure your HVAC system doesn’t run any longer than necessary when not needed.
Some homeowners have noticed their thermostat switching to auxiliary heat even when they don’t need it. This could be an indication that your Honeywell thermostat has a broken reversing valve, which alters the direction of refrigerant flow within its HVAC system.
The reversing valve is an essential element of your HVAC system. If it malfunctions, it could force refrigerant out of vents and activate auxiliary heat – leading to costly repairs that should be addressed right away. To avoid such costly issues in the future, ensure your reversing valve stays working optimally at all times.
If your auxiliary heat isn’t coming on frequently or for an extended period of time, it could be indicative of a malfunctioning reversing valve. A reliable way to determine this is by inspecting the reversing valve itself.
Another thing to watch for is if your auxiliary heat is cycling on and off throughout the day, every time you turn the system on. This could indicate that there is either a leak in refrigerant or an issue with its condenser fan motor.
Most thermostats will illuminate a red light when the auxiliary heat is on. If you notice this, be sure to turn it off promptly in order to save money on your heating bill.