Why is My Electric Bill So High This Month? (The "Aux Heat" Factor)
By Jordan Heating and Air | Serving Central North Carolina Since 1928
TL;DR | ESTIMATED READING TIME: 2 MIN
If your electric bill doubled after the freeze, your heat pump likely relied on expensive electric backup strips. Understanding the "Aux Heat" trigger in Asheboro can help you manage future winter costs.
The Cost of Staying Warm in a Freeze
Many Asheboro residents are opening their utility statements this week to find a high electric bill HVAC spike they didn't expect. When temperatures in the Triad drop below 35 degrees, standard heat pumps struggle to extract enough warmth from the outdoor air. To compensate, the system activates "Auxiliary Heat"—essentially large electric toaster coils inside your air handler. While effective at keeping you warm, this backup stage uses three to four times more electricity than your heat pump’s compressor.
Why Aux Heat Stays On Too Long
Thermostat Overshoot: Cranking the temperature up more than 2 degrees at once often triggers Aux heat automatically to reach the goal faster.
Defrost Cycle Frequency: During ice storms, your unit must frequently melt ice off its outdoor coils, relying on backup heat to keep the indoor air from blowing cold.
Mechanical Failure: if a component in your outdoor unit fails, the system may default to permanent Aux heat to prevent the home from freezing.
Poor Insulation: High heat loss in older Randleman or Asheboro homes forces the backup strips to cycle more often to maintain comfort.
INTERACTIVE SELF-AUDIT BLOCK
| System Factor | Your Current Situation | What That Usually Means |
|---|---|---|
| Thermostat Display | "Aux Heat" or "Heat 2" is constantly lit | Backup electric strips are running |
| Outdoor Unit | Completely silent while indoor air is blowing | Compressor may be locked out or failed |
| Indoor Air Temp | Air coming from vents feels "hot" (over 100°F) | Electric backup strips are active |
| Monthly Usage | Kilowatt-hours (kWh) more than doubled | Excessive reliance on supplemental heating |
Managing the "Aux" Transition
The key to lowering your bill is minimizing how often those electric strips turn on. We recommend keeping your thermostat at a consistent temperature rather than using "setbacks" during extreme cold. If your bill remains high even as temperatures rise, it’s a sign that your heat pump installation or calibration needs a professional look to ensure the compressor is doing the heavy lifting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for Aux heat to be on in Asheboro?
It is normal for Aux heat to cycle on briefly when outdoor temperatures are below freezing. However, if it stays on for hours once the sun is out, your system in Asheboro may have an efficiency issue or a restricted outdoor coil.
How much more does Aux heat cost than regular heat?
Standard heat pump operation is highly efficient. Auxiliary heat is "1-to-1" electric resistance heat, which can cost 300% more per hour of operation. This is the primary driver of a high electric bill HVAC spike for Triad homeowners.
Can I turn off the Aux heat to save money?
You can set some thermostats to "Compressor Only," but this is dangerous in a deep freeze. Without backup heat, your home in Asheboro may not stay warm enough to prevent pipes from freezing if the heat pump cannot keep up.
Shocked by your latest utility statement? Let our experts audit your system’s efficiency and help you find ways to keep your home comfortable without the "bill shock" next month.
Sincerely,
Jordan Heating and Air Conditioning
Committed to Honesty & Quality
