Aux Heat Not Responding
Honeywell Home Auxiliary Heat Stage Control Failure

Heat pump system does not engage auxiliary or emergency heat when needed

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Loose W2/Aux wiring, Incorrect heat pump configuration, Failed electric heat relay or gas furnace interface, Faulty thermostat heat stage output

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Turn off power to all HVAC equipment before accessing wiring or electric heat strips.

  • Verify system type: In the Honeywell Home thermostat installer setup, confirm the system is configured as a heat pump with auxiliary heat and that the correct number of heat stages is selected.
  • Check W2/Aux wiring: Ensure the Aux/W2 terminal at the thermostat and the corresponding terminal at the air handler or furnace are securely wired.
  • Test emergency heat mode: Switch the thermostat to Emergency Heat. If no heat is produced, the auxiliary heat source (electric strips or furnace) may have a control or power issue.
  • Inspect equipment relays and breakers: For electric heat, check dedicated breakers and any contactors or relays controlling the heat strips. Reset tripped breakers and replace failed relays as needed.
  • Call a technician: High‑amperage auxiliary heat circuits can be dangerous. If wiring and configuration appear correct but aux heat still fails, have a professional test the thermostat output and heat controls.
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Repair Difficulty

Professional Required 5/5

Required Part

Auxiliary Heat Relay / Contactor
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