Heat pump operation in cold weather

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Moderator Post (s) for this thread: > Winter Wonder Land by HKestenholz on 01/03/2008 > Not right get a switch by HKestenholz on 01/04/2008

I'm new to heat pumps and need some advice on their operation.

I just installed a Honeywell 7500 thermostat for my 2 stage heat pump. While in Heat mode, the heat pump stays on almost continously when the weather gets below 40F. I talked to Honeywell today and was told that I should switch the mode to EmHeat which disables the heat pump and uses auxillary heating. I would think that the thermostat would be smart enough to know when the heat pump needs supplemental help.

I know that heat pumps don't operate very efficiently at cold temperatures. Since switching to EmHeat, the unit comes on frequently but for a short period of time - about 2 minutes. The house is very comfortable.

I have two questions:

1) The 7500 manual says that in EmHeat mode, the thermostat controls both Auxillary and Emergency heat and the compressor is disabled. What is the difference between Auxillary and Emergency heat?

2) Is there any risk of damage to the heat pump running in Heat mode, rather than EmHea, in cold weather?

Thank you,
T