[hillsometer]

We have an issue with our furnace and have switched over to emergency heat until the repair man comes. However, there is concern that emergency heat is much more expensive than when the furnace is operating in regular mode. Does anyone know how much it costs?

[smoothy]

A lot more... but nobody can venture a guess how much more... there are too many variables we don't know.

[lilpoppa]

Depending on your system the cost can be a lot more, or negligible. A lot depends on the size of your heat pump, its age, the size of your house, the age of your house, and the size of the emergency heater element. The emergency heater common in most heat pump systems is not meant to heat your house to normal comfortable levels, its purpose is to prevent cold related damage such as frozen pipes. I recommend you get your system serviced and repaired as soon as possible.

[ma0641]

You would need to determine the power consumed in both modes. However, previous posts have indicated $500-$700/month costs for emergency heat.

[hillsometer]

Thank you everyone. I appreciate the info. Just trotted down and turned it down a few degrees. Yikes.

[ma0641]

Figure the Power used in KW. Multiply by cost per Kwh X hours run per day X days per month and you will have your answer. e.g. 10 KW X 15 cents = $1.50 per hour X 12 hours/day= $18/day X 30 days = $540. PS add another blanket!