Homeowners often face decisions about how to efficiently heat their homes during the colder months, especially when it comes to heat pumps and backup heating options like electric or gas furnaces. Understanding how these systems work together can help you maintain comfort while managing energy consumption and utility bills. In this guide, we’ll explore the efficiency of heat pumps, the role of backup heating, and how to optimize your HVAC system for the best performance.

At SS&B Heating & Cooling in Springfield, MO, we’re here to provide the expertise you need to make informed decisions about your home’s heating solutions.

Heat Pumps: Energy-Efficient Heating for Your Home

Heat pumps are versatile systems capable of heating and cooling your home by transferring heat from one place to another. During colder months, they extract heat from the outdoor air—even when it’s cold—and transfer it indoors. This process makes heat pumps an efficient heating solution, especially in moderate climates.

Heat pumps are especially known for their efficiency because they use electricity to move heat rather than generate it, consuming significantly less energy than traditional heating systems like furnaces. However, in extremely cold weather, their efficiency can decline as it becomes harder to extract heat from the air.

The Role of Backup Heating: Electric or Gas Furnace Options

To ensure reliable comfort even in freezing temperatures, heat pumps are often paired with backup heating systems, such as electric resistance heating or gas furnaces. Backup heating is designed to activate when the heat pump reaches its capacity to provide sufficient warmth.

Electric Backup Heat: Electric resistance heat, often integrated into the air handler, is a common option. However, it can be less energy-efficient since it generates heat directly using electricity.

Gas Furnaces: A gas furnace can also serve as an efficient backup heat source. When paired with a heat pump, it provides a reliable and cost-effective solution for extreme cold conditions.

Automatic Thermostat Settings for Backup Heat

Modern thermostats simplify managing backup heating. You don’t need to manually switch to emergency heat unless there’s a problem with your system.

Lockout Temperatures: Your thermostat is programmed with a specific temperature at which the heat pump will automatically switch to backup heat. For instance, if outdoor temperatures fall below 25–30°F (or a preset level), the system seamlessly activates the backup heat to maintain indoor comfort.

Seamless Operation: If the heat pump needs to enter a defrost cycle or cannot keep up with demand, your thermostat will engage the backup heat automatically, ensuring continuous warmth.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency and Minimize Backup Heat Usage

To reduce energy costs and reliance on backup heat, follow these tips:

Schedule Regular Maintenance

Keep your heat pump and backup heating system in peak condition with routine inspections and tune-ups by SS&B Heating & Cooling.

Seal and Insulate Your Home

Proper insulation reduces heat loss and prevents your system from overworking. Seal drafts around windows and doors to enhance efficiency.

Use Optimal Thermostat Settings

Maintain a steady indoor temperature and avoid drastic changes, which increase backup heat usage.

Upgrade to Advanced Equipment

Consider upgrading to a high-efficiency heat pump and pairing it with a modern gas furnace for maximum performance, especially in colder climates. While heat pumps are efficient in mild to moderately cold temperatures, a gas furnace offers a more reliable and cost-effective backup option when temperatures drop significantly. Gas furnaces can heat your home faster, provide consistent warmth, and often operate more efficiently in extreme cold compared to electric resistance heating.

By combining a high-efficiency heat pump with a gas furnace, you get the best of both worlds: energy-efficient heating during moderate temperatures and dependable performance during harsh winter conditions.

When to Call for Repairs

While heat pumps are designed to operate efficiently, certain issues may require professional attention to prevent further damage or inefficiencies. Knowing when to call for repairs can save you time, money, and unnecessary discomfort during the winter months.

Here are some common scenarios when you should contact a professional HVAC technician:

1. Outdoor Heat Pump is Covered in Ice

It’s normal for heat pumps to develop a light frost during cold weather, but if the outdoor unit becomes completely covered in ice that doesn’t melt during its defrost cycle, it could signal a problem. Common causes include:

Defrost system malfunction: If the defrost cycle isn’t working properly, ice can accumulate and restrict the system’s ability to operate.
Airflow issues: Blocked or restricted airflow around the unit, often caused by debris, snow buildup, or nearby obstructions, can prevent proper operation.
Low refrigerant levels: Insufficient refrigerant can reduce the system’s efficiency, leading to ice buildup.
Drainage problems: Water from the defrost cycle that doesn’t drain away properly can refreeze and add to the ice accumulation.
Prolonged exposure to severe weather: Ice storms, freezing rain, or excessive snow can overwhelm the unit, causing a thick layer of ice to form.

Why It’s Important to Address Ice Buildup

Ice on the outdoor unit restricts airflow and can lead to poor performance, higher energy costs, and even permanent damage to components like the compressor or fan motor if left unchecked.

2. Unusual Noises or Smells

If you notice grinding, squealing, or other unusual noises coming from your heat pump, it could signal mechanical issues such as:

Worn or loose components like fan bearings.
Motor or compressor problems that require immediate attention.

When it comes to smells, keep in mind that odors typically originate from the indoor unit, not the outdoor heat pump, unless you are standing near it. These odors are transferred throughout your home via the ductwork and may indicate:

Electrical problems, such as overheating components or burnt wiring.
Debris buildup, including dust or dirt that has accumulated inside the system.
Biological growth, like mold or mildew, in the air handler or ductwork due to excess moisture.

These issues can worsen over time and may impact both your comfort and the safety of your home.

3. Heat Pump Isn't Heating Properly

If your heat pump is running but struggling to maintain your desired temperature, even though the backup heat isn’t engaged, it could indicate:

Low refrigerant levels, which hinder the system's ability to transfer heat efficiently.
A malfunctioning compressor, reducing the heat pump’s effectiveness.
Blocked airflow, often caused by dirty filters or obstructed vents.
Adjusting the heat pump’s lockout set point to a higher temperature, so the backup heat engages sooner during colder weather.

If your backup heat is working as intended, your home should stay warm. However, these issues with the heat pump itself may still need attention to restore efficiency and prevent reliance on backup heat unnecessarily.

4. Heat Pump Keeps Switching to Backup Heat

If your heat pump frequently relies on backup heat, even when outdoor temperatures are not extremely cold, this could indicate:

Low refrigerant levels, which reduce the heat pump’s ability to extract and transfer heat effectively.
Outdoor unit component failures, such as a malfunctioning compressor, fan motor, or defrost system, prevent the heat pump from operating efficiently.

While the backup heat ensures your home stays warm, these underlying issues need to be addressed to restore the heat pump’s efficiency and minimize energy costs. A professional inspection can help identify and resolve the problem quickly.

5. Outdoor Unit Isn't Running During Moderately Cold Temperatures

If the outdoor unit stops operating entirely during moderately cold temperatures, your backup heat may temporarily keep your home warm, but addressing the issue promptly is essential to maintain efficiency and prevent further damage. Common causes include:

Electrical problems, such as a tripped breaker or faulty wiring, disrupting power to the unit.
Low refrigerant levels, which reduce the system’s ability to operate effectively.
A damaged compressor motor, which is vital for the heat pump to function.
A failed run capacitor, which is necessary for starting both the outdoor fan and the compressor.

Each of these issues can significantly impact your system’s performance. Having a professional HVAC technician diagnose and repair the problem will ensure your heat pump operates efficiently and reliably.

Why Timely Repairs Are Important

Delaying repairs can lead to more extensive damage, higher utility bills, and discomfort during the coldest months of the year. If you notice any of these warning signs or suspect your heat pump isn’t operating as it should, don’t hesitate to call SS&B Heating & Cooling.

Professional HVAC Assistance in Springfield, MO

Deciding on the best heating solutions for your home can be complex, but the professionals at SS&B Heating & Cooling are here to help. Our experienced technicians provide maintenance, repair, and installation services tailored to your unique needs.

By understanding the capabilities of your heat pump and backup heat system, you can enjoy a warm and energy-efficient home all winter long. Let SS&B Heating & Cooling in Springfield, MO, help you optimize your heating system for comfort and savings.