Heat Pump with Auxiliary Heat

[Sparks88]

Hey all, I've recently come across a heat pump with auxiliary heat, I do understand that the heat pump gets used until the outside temperature gets too cold for it to efficiently keep the inside heated, but I just wanted to know how the system knows when to start using the auxiallary heat and to stop using the heat * I figured there must be temperature sensors but would they be located in the thermometer or * Is there a simple way to check temperature sensors to set *

[Freon]

Most likely the temperature sensor is on the control board at the condenser unit outside. Get the specific manual for your unit and you'll get all the information you need.

[Sparks88]

Thank you for your response.
I'm just very curious to how it all works because I'm interested in getting a programmable thermostat. I am farely capable of doing it myself but in the same breathe don't want to mess up the system.

I want to turn the temperature down at night, and put on the auxiliary heat when I turn it back up in the morning. I am a little concerned though about wasting electricity by not using the heat pump solely.

[Freon]

You will need to research programmable thermostats. You will most likely need a more expensive one to allow you to do what you desire. Usually, if the differential between the house temperature and the thermostat set temperature is more than 2 degrees, the thermostat will call for auxiliary heat. A good thermostat will allow you to adjust that 2 degree differential setting. Happy researching.