Heat Pumps, Heaters and Furnaces: How to Stay Warm Indoors in Houston
Many Houston area homeowners stay warm with a central AC paired with a gas furnace or a heat pump system. Sometimes they might have both!
Houston Doesn’t Stay Cold For Long
January is the coldest month on average in Houston, but it may not be as cold as you would expect. Typically, daily temperatures are in the mid-60s and the lows are in the mid-40s from about December to February.
Though temperatures can be much colder, it doesn’t freeze very often. Snow is a rarity in the area, which is why Houston doesn’t own snowplows.
Houston pretty much shuts down during winter storms, which is why it is so important to have a heater or furnace setup that can keep you warm and cozy indoors.
Here’s what every Houston homeowner should know if they are thinking about replacing their heat pump or furnace:
Types of Heaters in the Houston Area
Central Air & Heat (Gas Furnace)
Most homes have central air and heating installed. What this looks like in a majority of homes we serve is an outdoor condenser outside paired with a furnace and evaporator coil indoors. Sometimes the furnace may be located in a closet, but frequently they are located in the attic with ductwork distributing the air around the home.
Heat Pump
Another typical setup we see looks a lot like central air and heat, but instead, it is a heat pump that provides both heating and cooling. A reversing value allows the refrigerant to flow in reverse, moving cool air outdoors and warm air indoors in the winter. The addition of electric resistance auxiliary heat, sometimes called electric heat strips, can boost the heating when temperatures fall below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. These can look like a typical central air and heat system and include most mini split systems, too.
Duel Fuel Heat (Heat Pump + Gas Furnace)
The third type of setup common to our area are homes that pair a heat pump with a gas furnace. These are called dual-fuel heat systems or hybrid heat. They use both electricity and gas to heat your home to your preferred temperature.
One interesting benefit of this type of setup is that you can program your thermostat to run either the electric heat through the heat pump or gas heat through the furnace, depending on which source of energy is cheaper.
Is Gas Heat or Electric Heat Better?
The short answer is: It depends. Furnaces that run on fuel have been a staple in most residential HVAC systems over the years. Heat pump systems, however, are known for their energy efficiency and comfort.
So, how should a homeowner choose the best heating setup for Houston’s mild subtropical climate?
Advantages of Heat Pump Systems for Heating Houston Homes
Heat Pumps have many advantages for our unique southern, coastal climate.
- Energy Efficiency – They are known for their superior energy efficiency, which can potentially save you money on utility bills in every season, not just winter.
- Lower Humidity – Heat pumps can help control humidity in the air because they run more often. This can reduce temperature fluctuations, especially in the spring and fall, for better comfort.
- Eco-Friendly – If your goal is to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, a heat pump can help you meet that goal without reducing your comfort. Heat pumps contain electrical heat strips for auxiliary heat when the temperature dips below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Safer – Heat pumps don’t involve producing heat using open flame, which makes them cleaner and safer to operate.
- Rebates – To meet climate goals, rebates and incentives often exist for installing heat pumps. The Texas Comptroller has incentives listed for heat pumps out to 2032.
Advantages for Gas Furnaces for Houston Homes
Gas furnaces run on either natural gas or in more rural locations, propane. They are more efficient than ever before and last a long time because they don’t get as much use as air conditioners.
- Gas Furnace Heats Quickly – If you’re looking for performance, a gas furnace can heat a cold home up much more quickly than a heat pump. Their performance is not affected by the outdoor temperature.
- Initial Cost – Furnaces overall cost less upfront than heat pump systems. The technology is well-known, lasts a long time, and has more safety features than ever.
- Availability of Natural Gas – Houston is one of the leading producers and exporters of natural gas per the Texas Comptroller. While prices can fluctuate based on supply and demand, it has for many years been a reliable, stable source of energy at low prices.
How to Decide Which Heating Set Up Works for You?
Partner with a trusted, local A/C and heating expert to advise you about all the heating options available. Heat pumps, furnaces, and dual fuel systems come in many configurations to fit your space and your budget. A trusted AC technician will be able to walk you through the pros and cons to fit your home’s needs.
Choose a heat pump system if:
- Your home is well-insulated.
- You want more comfort due to gradual heating.
- You want a way to control humidity more evenly.
- You want a more eco-friendly appliance.
Choose a furnace if:
- Your home is older or poorly insulated.
- You want lower utility bills over time.
- The initial cost is a factor.
- You prefer an appliance that will heat well during the coldest weather.
Choose a Dual Fuel System with a heat pump and gas furnace If:
- You want the best of both worlds, efficient comfort and reliable heat.
- You enable your thermostat to use the appliance that costs the least to run.
- You want a premium solution to increase your home’s value.
Dual fuel systems are considered premium HVAC solutions because you can save money when the weather is mild, only using the furnace on the coldest days.
In addition, this type of system allows you to shop the energy market, using a smart thermostat to heat a home using electricity or gas, depending on which is cheaper.
Maximize Your Heating Investment
No matter which heating setup that you choose for your home, investing in regular maintenance for your heater is a smart move. We recommend maintenance in the fall ahead of the winter chill in Houston for best results.
These regular preventative maintenance visits give licensed HVAC professionals the chance to test safety systems, monitor air filters, clean components, and spot any issues when they are small and easy to fix. They also contribute to your heater’s longevity over time.
We offer a prepaid preventative maintenance plan we call the “Fix It and Forget It Assurance Plan” to make this step easy! Ask us about it if you’re interested.
Pick The Right Heater or Furnace For Your Home
If heater replacement is on your mind, contact the experts at Castle A/C & Heating to get your questions answered. You can book your next visit online.
In business since 1975, our family-owned business delivers premium A/C and heating services to keep our customers comfortable during Houston’s fluctuating winter weather and every time of year. Get more winter maintenance tips for your HVAC system.
Count on our regal service for homes and businesses across the Greater Houston Area from Fulshear, Katy and West Houston through the Energy Corridor, Memorial, Bellaire, Meyerland, the Heights, and West University through the Houston/Bay Area including Clear Lake, Kemah, Webster, Seabrook, and points nearby.
