Auxiliary vs. Emergency Heat: questions
#1
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Auxiliary vs. Emergency Heat: questions
I'm trying to better understand how my dual-fuel (heat pump + propane furnace) and thermostat operates.
From what I've been able to determine, my furnace doesn't operate any differently under auxiliary heat than under emergency heat. Whenever either one is called for by the thermostat, the furnace fires up.
Therefore, the only difference between the two modes is inside the thermostat - with auxiliary heat being called for when the heat pump can't meet the need (based on outside air temp, response time, or some other algorithm), and emergency heat being called for anytime heat is required (if emergency mode is engaged).
So if this is the case (and let me know if it's not), then why does my thermostat have separate wires for auxiliary and emergency heat? Wouldn't a single wire be adequate?
Please help me understand.
From what I've been able to determine, my furnace doesn't operate any differently under auxiliary heat than under emergency heat. Whenever either one is called for by the thermostat, the furnace fires up.
Therefore, the only difference between the two modes is inside the thermostat - with auxiliary heat being called for when the heat pump can't meet the need (based on outside air temp, response time, or some other algorithm), and emergency heat being called for anytime heat is required (if emergency mode is engaged).
So if this is the case (and let me know if it's not), then why does my thermostat have separate wires for auxiliary and emergency heat? Wouldn't a single wire be adequate?
Please help me understand.
#2
You have a dual fuel setup. Things are a little more critical.
You don't want the heat pump and gas furnace running at the same time.
Aux heat is supposed to automatically shut down the heat pump and start the furnace.
Emergency heat is you shutting down the heatpump and starting the furnace.
You don't want the heat pump and gas furnace running at the same time.
Aux heat is supposed to automatically shut down the heat pump and start the furnace.
Emergency heat is you shutting down the heatpump and starting the furnace.