But to make sure you and your family stay warm and comfortable, supplemental heat is energized while the coil defrosts. Like any climate control device, the electric heat pump is operated by a thermostat. You probably understand how a thermostat works and are used to adjusting it up and down to fire up your furnace or crank up your air conditioner. In winter, the first stage of the thermostat is in control. The second stage, which is normally preset at one or two degrees below the first stage, energizes the supplemental heat.
Many thermostats have an indicator light that comes on when supplemental heat is used.
These types of thermostats may also have emergency heat selectors and a light to indicate that this backup is engaged. In the event the electric heat pump becomes inoperative, this selection allows you to heat your home by supplemental heat until the problem can be corrected. During the summer, the thermostat functions just as it would with a central air conditioner. You can also purchase programmable thermostats, which work well with electric heat pump systems, so that different temperature levels can be maintained while gaining efficiency and maximizing savings. Before you have your indoor thermostat installed, think carefully about its location.