Winter HVAC Maintenance & Safety for Houston New Construction
It's January in Houston, and winter has arrived. Learn why your heater smells like burning, how to handle heat pump defrost cycles, and how to protect your home during a freeze.
Winter is Here: What to Expect Right Now
We are in the thick of winter, and for many new homeowners in Conroe, Cypress, and The Woodlands, this is the first real test of your heating system. When temperatures drop near freezing, modern energy-efficient systems behave differently than the older furnaces you might be used to.
The "Burning Smell" (Auxiliary Heat)
Scenario: You woke up this morning, turned up the heat, and now the house smells like burning dust.
The Cause: This is your Emergency Heat Strips activating. Because it is so cold outside, your system needs extra help to reach your desired temperature. These electric coils get very hot and are burning off dust that settled over the last few months.
The Solution: Don't panic. It is normal operation for January. The smell should dissipate in 20 minutes. If you see smoke, however, turn it off immediately.
Current Freeze Checklist
Heat Pump Defrost Mode
If your outdoor unit is making a "whooshing" sound and releasing steam, do not turn it off. It is in Defrost Mode, melting ice off the coils so it can keep heating your home efficiently.
Don't Crank the Thermostat
Raising the temperature by 5+ degrees at once forces the expensive "Aux Heat" to run constantly. Increase the temp by 1-2 degrees at a time to save electricity.
Check Your Filter TODAY
A dirty filter during a freeze is a recipe for disaster. It restricts airflow, which can cause your furnace to overheat and trip its safety switch, leaving you with no heat.
Keep Vents Open
Do not close vents in unused rooms right now. Your system needs full airflow to prevent the coil from freezing up or the heat exchanger from cracking.
Special Note for Heat Pump Owners
Many new homes in The Woodlands Hills and Elyson use electric heat pumps. In 30-degree weather, the air coming from your vents will be around 95 degrees. Because your body temperature is 98.6 degrees, the air will feel cool to your hand.
This is normal. As long as the house temperature is holding steady, the system is working perfectly. Do not switch to "Emergency Heat" unless the system cannot keep up.
January Service Specials
Winter Performance Packages
Mid-Winter Safety Check
- Carbon Monoxide test
- Auxiliary heat strip test
- Defrost board diagnostic
- Thermostat calibration
$129
The "Freeze Protection" Tune-Up Best Value
- All Safety Check items
- Condensate drain flush
- Motor capacitor test
- Priority status for freeze events
$199
Frequently Asked Questions
My heat is running constantly. Is it broken?
In January weather (30s and 40s), it is normal for your system to have longer run times. It is maintaining temperature rather than blasting hot air and shutting off. This is actually more efficient for heat pumps.
Should I cover my outdoor unit during the freeze?
NO. Never cover a heat pump in winter. It needs to pull air from outside to create heat inside. Blocking airflow will damage the compressor.
What if my auxiliary heat stays on?
If your thermostat says "Aux Heat" continuously even when it's not super cold (above 45°F), you may have a heat pump malfunction. Call us to check your reversing valve.