Preparing Your Heating System for Texas Winter

Texas winters are unpredictable. One day it's 70 degrees, and the next a blue norther blows through dropping temperatures into the 20s or lower. For Bastrop County homeowners, this means your heating system needs to be ready for anything. Here's how to prepare your furnace or heat pump for whatever winter throws our way.

Why Texas Winters Are Hard on Heating Systems

Unlike northern states where heating systems run constantly for months, Central Texas heating equipment faces unique challenges:

• Infrequent use: Your heater may sit idle for weeks, then suddenly need to work hard during a cold snap
• Temperature swings: Systems cycle between heating and cooling modes, sometimes in the same week
• Dust accumulation: Extended periods of non-use allow dust to build up on components
• Humidity changes: Moving from humid fall weather to dry winter air affects system performance
• Extreme events: Ice storms and hard freezes can stress equipment that isn't prepared

Pre-Season Heating Checklist

Before the first cold front arrives, take these steps to ensure your heating system is ready:

1. Change Your Air Filter

This simple task is the most important thing you can do for your heating system. A dirty filter restricts airflow, making your furnace or heat pump work harder and less efficiently. In our dusty Central Texas environment, check your filter monthly and replace it when dirty—typically every 1-3 months depending on your home and filter type.

2. Test Your System Early

Don't wait until the first freeze to find out your heater doesn't work. On a mild fall day, switch your thermostat to heat mode and set it a few degrees above room temperature. Let the system run for 10-15 minutes. You may notice a slight burning smell as dust burns off—this is normal for the first use of the season, but it should dissipate quickly.

3. Check Your Thermostat

Make sure your thermostat is functioning properly:

• Battery-powered thermostats: Replace batteries annually to prevent mid-winter failures
• Programmable thermostats: Update your heating schedule for winter
• Smart thermostats: Verify your heating settings and emergency heat modes

4. Inspect Your Outdoor Unit

If you have a heat pump, check the outdoor unit before winter:

• Clear debris: Remove leaves, grass clippings, and dirt from around the unit
• Check clearance: Maintain at least 2 feet of clear space around all sides
• Inspect the unit: Look for visible damage, rust, or debris inside the unit
• Listen for unusual sounds: Note any grinding, squealing, or rattling noises

5. Check Vents and Registers

Walk through your home and ensure all supply and return vents are open and unobstructed. Move furniture, rugs, or curtains that may be blocking airflow. Closed or blocked vents create pressure imbalances that reduce efficiency and can damage your system.

Understanding Heat Pumps in Texas Winters

Heat pumps are popular in Central Texas because they efficiently handle both heating and cooling. However, they work differently than furnaces, and understanding this can prevent unnecessary service calls:

Normal Heat Pump Operation

• Cooler air from vents: Heat pumps produce air around 90-95°F, which feels cooler than the 120-140°F air from a furnace—but it's still warming your home
• Defrost cycles: When temperatures drop below 40°F, your outdoor unit may ice up. The system will periodically run in reverse to defrost—you may see steam and hear different sounds during this cycle
• Auxiliary heat: When temperatures drop below freezing, your heat pump may engage backup electric heat strips to maintain temperature

When to Call for Service

Contact us if you notice:

• Ice that doesn't melt: If your outdoor unit stays iced over for more than a few hours
• No warm air: If only cold air comes from vents in heating mode
• Constantly running auxiliary heat: Your energy bills will spike if backup heat runs continuously
• Strange noises: Grinding, screeching, or banging sounds indicate problems

Preparing for Hard Freezes

After Winter Storm Uri in 2021, Bastrop County residents know how devastating extreme cold can be. Here's how to prepare your HVAC system for the worst:

Protect Your Pipes

While not strictly an HVAC issue, frozen pipes are a major concern during hard freezes. Keep your heat set to at least 55°F even when away, and know where your main water shutoff is located.

Insulate Exposed Components

If you have a heat pump, the refrigerant lines running to your outdoor unit should be insulated. Check that the insulation is intact and replace any damaged sections before winter.

Have a Backup Plan

During extended outages or extreme cold:

• Space heaters: Keep one or two electric space heaters for emergencies (use safely, never leave unattended)
• Generator considerations: If you have a generator, know your HVAC system's power requirements
• Alternative heating: If you have a fireplace, have it inspected and keep firewood dry and accessible

Signs Your Heating System Needs Professional Attention

Schedule a service call if you notice any of these warning signs:

• Yellow pilot light: Should be blue—yellow indicates combustion problems (gas furnaces)
• Short cycling: System turns on and off frequently without reaching set temperature
• Uneven heating: Some rooms are warm while others stay cold
• Rising energy bills: Significant increases without changes in usage indicate efficiency problems
• Age: Systems over 15 years old should be inspected annually and may need replacement
• Strange odors: Burning smells (after initial startup), musty odors, or gas smells require immediate attention

The Value of Professional Maintenance

A professional heating tune-up before winter includes:

• Complete inspection: Checking all components for wear and potential failures
• Cleaning: Removing dust and debris that accumulated during the off-season
• Safety checks: Testing carbon monoxide levels, gas connections, and electrical components
• Efficiency optimization: Adjusting settings for peak performance
• Early problem detection: Identifying issues before they become expensive repairs

A fall tune-up typically costs less than an emergency repair call on a freezing night—and it helps ensure your system won't leave you in the cold when you need it most.

Stay Warm This Winter

At String Prairie Heating & Air, we've been keeping Bastrop County families comfortable through Texas winters for years. Whether you need a pre-season tune-up, emergency repair, or advice on upgrading your heating system, we're here to help.

Serving Bastrop, Smithville, Rosanky, Paige, and surrounding communities with honest, reliable HVAC service.