Heat Pump/Aux heat settings

[kenimpzoom]

Guys, on my thermostat, I can set the heat strips to kick on when the actual temp is 1,2,3, or 4 degrees off from the thermo setting.

Which is more efficient?

4 degrees makes the heat pump run all the time, but the heat strips rarely kick on.

1 degree makes the heat pump run less, but electricity for the heat strips is costly.

Any guesses?

Thanks, Ken

 

[bjcsc]

Re: Heat Pump/Aux heat settings

Avoid the strips. Use the 4 degree setting. Mine is different, I can set the difference at which the pump comes on (I have it set at 1deg) and then I can set when or if the strips come on. I have them set to never come on. I have a switch that enables me to select them manually but have never used it, except once when I slid the switch too far. Wow was that a bill!!

 

[dimock44]

Re: Heat Pump/Aux heat settings

Guys, on my thermostat, I can set the heat strips to kick on when the actual temp is 1,2,3, or 4 degrees off from the thermo setting.

Which is more efficient?

4 degrees makes the heat pump run all the time, but the heat strips rarely kick on.

1 degree makes the heat pump run less, but electricity for the heat strips is costly.

Any guesses?

Thanks, Ken

In Houston your HP should not run all the time unless the temp gets down around freezing more or less. Of course this all depends on the building construction. The electric heat strips are there to assist the heat pump when the temp is so low the heat pump can't keep up ( warm the building ). The best spent money to save on heating and cooling costs is caulking and insulation. Often the pay back can be in a matter of months. If the pump runs all the time in milder weather have a serviceman check it. After it is running properly get a little round Meat type thermometer, 160 degrees max, and mount it permanently in a register and watch it until you know what the air temp should be. In that way you will know when its not right.