Auxiliary heat, often found in heat pump systems, provides supplemental warmth when the primary heat source is insufficient to meet the thermostat setting. It activates when there’s a significant difference between the desired indoor temperature and the actual temperature, requiring an extra boost to reach the set point quickly. For example, if a thermostat is set to 70F and the indoor temperature is 60F, the system may engage this secondary heating function.
The availability of supplementary heat ensures consistent comfort levels, particularly during periods of extreme cold. It allows the system to maintain a stable indoor climate, preventing temperature fluctuations that can impact comfort and potentially lead to frozen pipes or other issues. Historically, resistance heat was commonly used for this purpose, but newer systems may employ other heating technologies as well.
