I live in NC and have a 5 year old heat pump. During the winter months my electric bill sky rockets, my Dec/Jan bill... over $500. I switched my thermo to aux. heat hoping it would help but am scared that it might just make it worse and I will have an even higher elec bill next month. I laid awake at 4am listening to it run, 9 minutes on, 1 min. off, 9 min. on 1 min. off etc, etc. I couldn't go back to sleep for watching the dollars signs floating around the room. Is it a common characteristic of the heat pump or is mine in need of servicing. I'm desperate, my earnings don't allow for these huge elec. Bills. I'd like to add that it is just myself and my husband, no bored teens running up the bills because it's too cold outside. It can be 95 degrees in the summer and the air conditioner keeps it nice and cool with bills generally running about $125 per month. Any ideas what my problem could be and how can I fix it?///// Thanks, broke in NC

Sounds like you have the answer, need a service check up, you are correct,it will cost you even more if you set it to aux. heat, will pay you to get it serviced