The High Bill: What to Do Right Now
A higher-than-usual electric bill can be concerning, but it does not by itself identify a failed heat strip. Auxiliary heat can operate normally in some conditions, and a bill change can also reflect weather, rates, billing days, or household usage. Start with safe observations, avoid opening the equipment, and arrange a professional diagnosis if the change continues or you have heating concerns.
Right Now: Read the Bill — Look for a Pattern
Compare the recent bill with earlier bills and, if possible, the same period last year. Check the billing dates, electricity rates, and usage shown on the bill. A sudden increase may be worth investigating, but neither a sudden nor a gradual change proves that the heat strips have failed. Weather and other changes in energy use can affect the total.
You can note the difference between the recent usage and your usual usage to share with the technician. Treat it as useful background, not as a guaranteed estimate of repair savings or proof of the cause.
Right Now: Check the Thermostat — Observe Auxiliary Heat
Without opening or touching the equipment, note the thermostat mode, set point, and whether an auxiliary-heat indicator appears. Auxiliary heat may operate normally during cold weather, defrost, or when the heat pump is recovering the indoor temperature. Its appearance, even if frequent, does not establish that a heat strip has failed.
Check whether the thermostat is set to “Em Heat.” That setting may be appropriate in some circumstances, but it can use more electricity than normal heat-pump operation. If it was selected accidentally and you know how to select the normal “Heat” mode, you can switch it back. If you are unsure why it is set that way, leave it as is and tell the technician. Do not change electrical settings or equipment controls.
Right Now: Safety — Observe Without Touching
From a safe distance, note any smoke, burning odor, or unusual sounds near the system. Do not touch the air handler to check its temperature, remove a panel, or investigate inside the equipment. A bill increase or auxiliary-heat indicator alone is not a safety alarm and does not prove that the strips are stuck on.
If you notice a burning odor and can safely turn the system off at the thermostat, do so and call for service. If there is smoke or fire, leave the area and contact emergency services. Do not approach the equipment or operate electrical breakers to investigate. Report any other unusual observations to the technician.
Right Now: Minimize — Safe Steps While You Wait
Keep the thermostat at a comfortable, steady setting rather than making large temperature changes. Avoid selecting emergency heat unless you have been advised to use it or need it because the heat pump is not providing heat. If the system is not heating adequately, the indoor temperature is unsafe, or you are unsure whether to keep using it, contact a technician for guidance.
Do not disconnect heat strips, open the air handler, or attempt electrical repairs. Heat-strip circuits can involve hazardous voltage, and disabling backup heat may affect comfort and operation. A technician can test the system and determine whether replacement is needed.
Today: Make the Call — Share What You Observed
When you call, share the information you have gathered:
- When the bill or usage change began, and the billing dates or usage figures
- The thermostat mode and set point, and when the auxiliary-heat indicator appears
- Any observed odor, smoke, sound, or change in heating performance
- The system’s age and service history, if known
These details help the technician understand the concern, but they do not establish the cause. A technician will diagnose the system before recommending heat-strip replacement or other work.
While You Wait — Priorities
Keep your bill and notes available, use the thermostat only for normal settings, and stay clear of the equipment panels and electrical components. If a burning odor develops, follow the safety steps above. Do not attempt to disconnect components or reset breakers.
Rheem builds its systems around scroll compressor efficiency and PlusOne ignition systems — engineered for reliable, efficient heating. Heat strips provide backup heat in applicable systems; those equipment features do not determine whether a heat strip has failed. A technician can confirm your equipment configuration and the cause of the problem.
When replacement is appropriate, ask about genuine parts and how the work relates to any applicable warranty. If refrigerant work is needed as part of the diagnosis or repair, it should be handled by an EPA-qualified technician.
Heat-Strip Service in Temple Terrace
Velocity Air Conditioning serves Temple Terrace with 24/7 service availability, including nights and weekends. Same-day dispatch may be available; otherwise, dispatch is for the next available appointment. There is no extra charge for nights or weekends. A technician will diagnose the system and explain the recommended repair, including heat-strip replacement if testing confirms it is needed. Repair scope and visit time depend on the diagnosis and the equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How urgent is a suspected heat-strip problem?
A high bill or auxiliary-heat indicator alone does not establish a failed heat strip or an emergency. Arrange service if the heating problem continues or you remain concerned. A burning odor warrants turning the system off at the thermostat if it is safe and calling for service; smoke or fire requires leaving the area and contacting emergency services.
What should I watch for?
Note changes in heating performance, thermostat mode, auxiliary-heat indications, and any unusual odor or sound. Do not touch the air handler or open the equipment to investigate. These observations can help the technician, but none alone proves a failed part.
Can it wait until next week?
That depends on the system’s operation, indoor conditions, and your household’s needs. A bill increase does not establish that a heat strip has failed or that waiting will create a specific cost. Contact a technician to discuss the symptoms and available appointment times, especially if the system is not maintaining a safe, comfortable temperature.
How long does a heat-strip replacement visit take?
Visit time varies with the diagnosis, equipment, and work required. The technician can provide a more useful estimate after inspecting and testing the system. Do not attempt the high-voltage work yourself.
How can I help prevent future problems?
Routine professional maintenance can include checking relevant electrical connections, controls, heating operation, and auxiliary-heat operation. Ask the technician what applies to your model and follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guidance. Monitoring bills and noting thermostat behavior can help you spot changes, but a bill spike is not always the first sign of a heat-strip problem.