The Wyze thermostat doesn’t show the emergency heat activation sign on the thermostat’s display. As a result, many users get confused if the EM option is turned on or not. Also, as a beginner, it is tough to understand the procedure of activating the EM in Wyze thermostats.
So, how and when to use Wyze thermostat emergency heat?
Wyze has an emergency heat option that you can only turn on manually. To activate it, first, you have to connect the backup heating source to the * terminal of the thermostat. After that, when you need the EM feature, you can turn it on from your Wyze App. You should only use the EM feature when your heat pump is unable to warm up the home due to extreme weather or malfunction.
To know more about this, keep reading.
Does Wyze Thermostat Have Emergency Heat?
Yes, the Wyze thermostat does have the emergency heat feature. In emergency heat mode, the thermostat will bypass the heat pump and use the backup heating source to heat your home.
However, as it’s not efficient to use the emergency heat mode for a long time, the Wyze thermostat also has the aux heating feature. Auxiliary heat is designed to supplement the heat pump’s primary heating mode when the demand for heat exceeds its capacity.
This mode will automatically turn on the backup heating source when necessary to maintain the target temperature. You need to preset which mode you want to go for.
Like these two features, the Wyze safety delay is another great feature of the thermostat you will find very convenient.
How To Turn On The Emergency Heat Wyze Thermostat?
In the Wyze thermostat, the emergency mode has to be turned on manually. So, don’t worry about the emergency mode turning on frequently and raising your electric bill.
For enabling the emergency heat on Wyze, there are two phases.
Phase 1:
This phase will occur during the thermostat’s setup process. Connect the backup heating source to the * terminal. Without performing this setup phase, you can’t be able to activate the emergency heat mode.
Phase 2:
This is the phase where you turn on the emergency mode as necessary. Here’s what you have to do.
Step 1: Open the Wyze App on your smartphone.
Step 2: Go to the “Settings” option in the Wyze App.
Step 3: Select the “Advanced” settings.
Step 4: Keep scrolling and find the “Advanced” section and select “Emergency Heat”.
Step 5: Toggle the “Emergency Heat” switch to the on position.
The thermostat will now activate the backup heating source connected to the * terminal and use it as emergency heat to raise the temperature of your home.
When Should I Use Emergency Heat On My Thermostat?
Emergency heat should be used only in two situations. Emergency heat is intended to be used only as a backup of your heating source if the heat pump is not working. Meanwhile, troubleshoot and fix the heat pump as soon as possible.
You can also use it when there is extremely cold temperature and the heat pump is unable to keep up. Other than these two situations, you have to use the regular heat pump to warm up your house.
Is It Ok To Run The Heat Pump On Emergency Heat?
It is normally not recommended to run a heat pump on emergency heat for a long period of time. Using the emergency heat feature has two primary disadvantages.
High Electricity Bills:
When the heat pump is running on emergency heat, it uses the backup heating source, which is typically an electric resistance heater. Electric resistance heaters are less efficient and more costly to operate than heat pumps. So running the heat pump on emergency heat can result in higher energy bills.
Excess Pressure On The System:
Running the heat pump on emergency heat for an extended period of time can cause damage to the system. It forces the system to bypass the heating pump and work which puts unnecessary stress on the system. As the thermostat starts showing problems, you will see symptoms like your Wyze thermostat clicking. Eventually, the system will collapse leading to a costly repair.
Alternative Thermostats With Emergency Heat Options
If you intend to buy a new thermostat and are looking for an option with an emergency feature, you can check out the following alternatives as well.
| Thermostats With Emergency Heat | Feature | Price |
| Ecobee Thermostat | The advanced technology it uses to control temperature helps you and save money on electric bills. It has an emergency heat option. | Check Price on Amazon |
| Honeywell Thermostat | It is a reliable brand with a very reasonable price range. | Check Price on Amazon |
| Nest Thermostat | The best part about these thermostats is, there is vast information on these thermostats on Google and their customer service is top-notch. | Check Price on Amazon |
Ecobee Thermostat:
Ecobee has a range of smart thermostats for home heating and cooling systems.
To activate the heat mode in the Ecobee thermostat, you have to go to the installation setting mode, and select “Threshold”. After that, you have to change to the desired heat setting. You can get an Ecobee thermostat for $150 to $220.
Honeywell Thermostat:
Honeywell is a popular brand of thermostats among homeowners. The price range of the Honeywell thermostat is between $50 to $150.
You will get the emergency heat option in Honeywell smart thermostats. In these thermostats, activating the emergency heat is very easy. You can activate it from the “Heat Mode” on the display of the Honeywell thermostat.
Nest Thermostat:
This is a thermostat brand by Google. In the Nest thermostat, there is an emergency heat option that you can turn on manually. You will be able to turn on the emergency heat from the Nest App using your smartphone.
However, these thermostats are on the bit of the pricey side. The price range starts from $200.
So, these are some of the thermostat options that you have.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Do All Thermostats Have Emergency Heat?
Yes, all modern thermostats have an emergency heat feature. However, depending on the model and brand of your thermostat, you have to set up the emergency heat manually.
What Is The Cheapest Way To Heat A House?
The cheapest way for heating your home would be through a gas-central HVAC system. By automatically lowering the temperature when you are away or asleep, a programmable thermostat can also save you money. This could contribute to a 10% reduction in heating costs. Halogen heaters are also comparatively cheaper heaters you can use.
Conclusion
So here goes everything on Wyze thermostat emergency heat. I hope all your confusion is clear now.
As the name suggests, make sure to only use it when it’s an emergency. Otherwise, don’t put stress on the system. Also, don’t forget to have your HVAC system serviced at least once a year.
Now it’s time for me to say goodbye. Good luck!
