How to Fix Nest Thermostat Keeps Using Aux Heat: A Step-by-Step Guide

In the event that you own a Nest Thermostat and discover that it continues to use auxiliary (AUX) heat rather than your heat pump, you may find that your monthly electricity bills increase. You are in luck because there are solutions to this problem that will also reduce the amount of energy you use. In this article we will discuss about the how to Fix Nest Thermostat Keeps Using Aux Heat

In this piece, we will take you step-by-step through the process of resolving the issue where your Nest Thermostat is continuously using AUX heat. Nest thermostats are designed to be user-friendly, environmentally friendly, and cost-friendly in the majority of cases. However, if you use the aux heat feature on your Nest Thermostat, you may notice a significant increase in your monthly electric bill.

Fix Nest Thermostat Keeps Using Aux Heat

Nest app settings

Most people prefer to use the Nest app for making adjustments as it provides convenience.

1. Open your Nest app.
2. Tap on “Settings”.
3. Find and tap on the thermostat icon.
4. Select “Heat Pump Balance”.
5. Choose between “Maximum savings” and “Off”.

Nest thermostat setup

If you don’t have access to your phone, you can still make the necessary changes using your thermostat directly.

1. Open the “Quick View” menu by pressing the thermostat ring.
2. Select “Settings”.
3. Go to “Nest Sense”.
4. Select “Heat Pump Balance”.
5. Choose between “Maximum savings” and “Off”.

Heat pump balance setting

There are four settings available, but for maximum energy efficiency and minimal AUX heat usage, two options stand out:

1. Maximum savings: This setting ensures that your heating system runs at maximum energy efficiency to reduce costs. The heat pump starts up earlier to reach the target temperature in time, and the lock temperature is set slightly lower than usual.
2. Off: Disabling the “Heat Pump Balance” means AUX heat will only activate if the lockout temperature is reached. This option is recommended if you want to eliminate AUX heat usage completely, though external factors may still trigger it.

How to set lock temperature

Adjusting the lockout temperature is crucial for minimizing AUX heat usage. You can do this from the Nest app or directly from your thermostat.

1. Go to “Settings”.
2. Select “Team”.
3. Select “Heat pump”.
4. Set the desired value for the lock temperature.

External factors that can initiate AUX heat

In colder regions with harsh winters, outdoor temperatures can affect your heat pump. If the pump freezes, the AUX heat will activate more frequently to compensate and raise the temperature. AUX heat may also be required if the heat pump struggles to combat extremely cold temperatures. If your house walls are poorly insulated and the heat pump isn’t powerful enough, AUX heat might be necessary to maintain the desired temperature.

Important Notes About Nest Thermostats

You don’t need to connect your Nest thermostat to your Wi-Fi router for it to function properly. However, not connecting it will prevent you from using or configuring the “Heat Pump Balancing” feature. If you can’t find the “Heat Pump Balancing” option in Nest Sense, you may need to double-check your thermostat wiring.

1. Remove the screen from the thermostat.
2. Inspect the AUX / W2 connector.
3. If there’s no cable, it means you don’t have AUX heating and the “Heat Pump Balance” feature is unavailable.
4. If both the W1 and W2 connectors have wires, it indicates a dual fuel system, which doesn’t support “Heat Pump Balancing”.

Final Words

We hope this step-by-step guide on how to fix Nest Thermostat Keeps Using Aux Heat has helped you resolve the issue. The Nest Thermostat works seamlessly with the Google Home app for iOS or Android, as well as the Nest app for iPhone and Android tablets. Remember, if you plan to use other Google devices like Google Wi-Fi, Chromecast, or Google Home, you’ll need to download the Google Home app.