What Are Electric Heat Strips?

Electric heat strips are resistance heating elements in an air handler that convert electricity directly into heat. They serve as backup for a heat pump, engaging when it cannot meet demand or during defrost. Their efficiency is fixed: one unit of electricity produces one unit of heat.

Also called: heat strips · resistance heat · strip heat · electric resistance heat

Why it matters to you

Strips are the most expensive way to heat an electric home, which is why a heat pump that calls on them in mild weather is worth investigating. On a coastal winter they should be covering brief cold snaps and defrost cycles, not carrying the season.

What to do about it

If your electricity use climbs sharply in winter, ask whether the strips are engaging more than they should — common causes are an oversized thermostat setback, a high balance-point setting, or a heat pump not performing to capacity.