Ecobee Thermostat Aux Heat Running: How to Fix It

Q: Is it normal for Ecobee to show aux heat running?

Yes, it's completely normal when outdoor temperatures drop below 30°F or when you raise the temperature setting significantly. Aux heat helps your heat pump maintain comfortable indoor temperatures when the heat pump alone isn't sufficient.

Q: How much does aux heat cost compared to heat pump heating?

Auxiliary electric heat typically costs 2-3 times more than heat pump operation. While necessary in cold weather, excessive aux heat usage can significantly increase your electric bill, so it's important to optimize your settings.

Q: How do I stop my Ecobee aux heat from running so often?

Ensure proper heat pump settings, keep air filters clean, clear outdoor unit obstructions, avoid large temperature changes, and consider adjusting your balance point and aux heat thresholds through the Installation Settings menu.

Q: What temperature should aux heat turn on?

Aux heat typically activates when outdoor temperatures drop below your heat pump's balance point, usually between 25-35°F. The exact temperature depends on your heat pump's efficiency and your system's configuration.

Q: Can I disable aux heat on my Ecobee completely?

While you can adjust aux heat settings, completely disabling it isn't recommended as your home may not reach desired temperatures during very cold weather. Instead, optimize the settings to minimize unnecessary aux heat usage.

Abstract

When your Ecobee thermostat displays 'Aux Heat Running,' it means your heat pump has switched to electric backup heating strips. This typically happens when outdoor temperatures drop below 30°F or when your heat pump can't keep up with heating demand, but excessive aux heat usage can significantly increase your electric bill.