A heatpump will periodically go into defrost mode to melt the ice buildup on the condenser coil as the temperature approaches and drops below freezing. When this happens, the heating strips will come on (because it is now running as an AC and you don't want to feel cold air from the ducts). Defrost mode lasts a few minutes.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Toymeister
Our SECO bill was 100.69 for 2000 Sq. Ft stucco designer. 867.6 KwH. Average temp was 72 degrees, Heat strips did come on for an average of two minutes or less. That is reflected in the detail below.
Details of last month's bill:
40.6% was the heat pump
11.8% was the water heater
10.5 was "always on' devices
7.8% was the dryer and heat strips combined
3.9% fridge
Less than 1% each:
Ice maker
Dishwasher
Washing machine
Fluorescent lights in laundry room and garage
Microwave
Stove
Oven
Iron
Toaster
Garbage disposal
20.5% was other devices not specifically identified
Last year's bill without the heat pump and heat strips only was 113.50 for 979 KWH. My take away is heat strips alone are expensive
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