The "EM Heat" setting on a Honeywell thermostat, or any thermostat, stands for Emergency Heat. It is a feature that allows the user to activate a backup heat source when the primary heat pump is not working. This setting is typically used when the heat pump is malfunctioning and needs to be temporarily bypassed until it can be repaired by a professional.
When the EM Heat is activated, the heat pump compressor is locked out, and only the backup heat source is used. This backup heat source can be a gas furnace, electric heat strip, oil furnace, or hot-water system, depending on the specific setup of the heating system in the home.
The EM Heat setting is especially useful during extremely cold temperatures when the primary heat pump is unable to extract enough warmth from the outdoor air to heat the home effectively. By activating the EM Heat, the thermostat switches to auxiliary mode and relies on the backup heat source to regulate the indoor temperature, ensuring that the home remains warm in emergency situations.
In conclusion, the EM Heat setting on a thermostat is a crucial feature that provides a backup heating system in case the primary heat pump fails, ensuring that the home remains warm and comfortable during cold weather conditions.
