How to adjust sensitivity of Trane heat pump thermostat "aux heat"

[goshenHeat]

Trane thermostat "Weathertron", model BAYSTA240A

I am renting a top floor condo in Roanoke, VA. When turning on the heat, if I move the temp. set-point too high, the "aux heat" comes on. I recognize that aux heat is quite inefficient so that I want to minimize its use. So I am find myself moving the set-point just enough to turn on the heat, but not enough to start the "aux heat". The condo owner does not have the manual for the thermostat or heat pump. And Trane was not able to supply me with these manuals.

Is there possibly a way to decrease the sensitivity of the thermostat so that the "aux heat" would not come on so soon? Is the adjustment within the thermostat, or is this something that can be adjusted in the heat pump controls and not the thermostat?

[machinist]

Hopefully you have fixed the issue!

For anyone else experiencing a similar problem, here's what you can do:

First, check if your thermostat has a setting for the temperature balance point or auxiliary heat lockout. This setting determines the outdoor temperature at which auxiliary heat is triggered and can help prevent it from coming on too soon. Some thermostats have options to adjust the temperature differential or swing, which controls how close the indoor temperature must be to the set-point before the system turns on. Adjusting this differential can reduce unnecessary activation of the auxiliary heat.

If those adjustments aren’t available or don’t fully address the issue, it’s a good idea to look into the heat pump’s settings. Sometimes, the heat pump itself has controls that affect when the auxiliary heat kicks in, and these may need to be adjusted by a professional.

In any case, having a qualified HVAC technician review both the thermostat and heat pump can ensure everything is calibrated correctly and functioning efficiently.