Auxiliary Heat

by Anthony B
(FortWashington Maryland)

I have two Carrier Performance Heat Pump systems; a two year old 4 ton heat pump operating the first two floors and a 3.5 ton heat pump operating the 3rd floor. The house temperature for heating mode is set to 68 F (maximum).

My problem is that when the auxiliary heat energizes, it usually starts when the outside temperature is 42 F outside. When the temperature drops to 32 – 28 F then both units start running at full auxiliary heat. Each auxiliary heater consumes 130 amps. The result of this is $500-$900 electric bills.

Why on earth is the auxiliary heat coming on at only 42 F? Yes the auxiliary heat ramps up slowly and only stays on in burst. But if it gets colder outside then the auxiliary is at full capacity.

Can I set the auxiliary heat so as not to come on until the outside temp s lower than the 42 F?

The auxiliary heat is killing me… Oh.... and the HVAC techs have no answer ether..

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Sep 28, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		New carrier heatpumps, 5/8/15
by: Randy Jackson

I had a new Carrier 2 zone system installed 5/8/15.It has cut my power bill 30 percent so far on the AC . It has a great energy saving feature as well . After it cuts off , the air handler runs for 3 minutes to extract the warm or cool air left in the coil . Also the heating element will not cut on unless it needs to ,but it has to be below 35 degrees outside ... Another feature I like . The cooling is great .. The air is so cool and it takes the moisture out so well that it is a while before it comes back on . I just have started using the heat ... it heats up very quickly and cuts off . The house is very comfortable .. no cool spots . A WORD OF ADVICE ! To have the best trouble free system avoid the top level models that have variable and dual compressors ... They wear out faster and are not as reliable ... I almost made mistake .. An honest salesman told me this .. Get the Highest Energy Efficient rated unit with the single stage compressor , matched with the correct air handler. It will be the wisest decision you can make ... When buying Heat pumps .. the most expensive one is not the best ... and you will more than likely regret it sooner than you think .. The units I replaced were 1988 Carrier . They still ran great . I gave them to a friend who is an A/C contractor .. They are now is use in someone`s home ... They seldom ever needed servicing ... So I went back with Carrier although I considered Trane ... They were bought out by Ingersall Rand which really brought their Quality down .... Think twice before considering them ... many of their units are substandard and very problematic.. And not the Efficiency rating as a comparable priced Carrier ...
Apr 20, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		Aux. heat ?
by: Randy Jackson

As far as the aux. heat . I just got a quote for a two zone... 2 heat pumps . First and second floor . My quote says new pumps will have outdoor T stat not to come on above 40 degrees . outside air temp. unless it is manually turned on .. They are Carrier as well ... Which I wanted . I got 26.5 years out of my old system ..They still work great !Carrier also ...
Feb 08, 2014
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starstarstarstarstar 		Carrier heat pumps
by: Anonymous

If you have a Carrier Infinity controller and an outsde air senser you could start aux. heat at 30-35 dg. if you like. Your heat pump eff. drops with temp. but if it keeps up at that temp. you will save a bit on your electric.

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