Winter Is Here: What to Expect Right Now
For many new homeowners in Conroe, Cypress, The Woodlands, and the Katy corridor, 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 — and that catches people off guard.
Most new construction homes in the Houston metro use heat pump systems rather than traditional gas furnaces. Heat pumps are more efficient in mild weather, but they operate in ways that can seem alarming if you have never owned one before. The sounds are different. The air coming from your vents feels different. And when it gets cold enough, backup systems activate that can produce unfamiliar smells.
None of this means your system is broken. But understanding what is happening helps you know when something actually is wrong.
The "Burning Smell" — Auxiliary Heat Explained
What you notice: You turned up the heat this morning and now the house smells like burning dust.
What is happening: Your emergency heat strips have activated. When outside temperatures drop below approximately 35°F, your heat pump cannot extract enough warmth from the outdoor air on its own. Electric resistance coils — heat strips — kick in to supplement the heat pump. These coils get very hot and burn off dust that has settled on them since the last time they ran.
What to do: Nothing. This is normal January operation. The smell should dissipate within 15 to 20 minutes. If you see visible smoke or the smell persists beyond 30 minutes, turn the system off and call us.
Freeze Protection Checklist
When a hard freeze hits Houston, your HVAC system works harder than at any other point in the year. These four things matter most right now.
Heat Pump Defrost Mode
If your outdoor unit makes a whooshing sound and releases steam, do not turn it off. It is in defrost mode — melting ice off the coils so it can keep heating your home. This is normal and lasts 5 to 15 minutes.
Don't Crank the Thermostat
Raising the temperature by 5+ degrees at once forces expensive auxiliary heat to run continuously. Increase by 1 to 2 degrees at a time. Your heat pump is more efficient with gradual adjustments.
Check Your Filter Today
A dirty filter during a freeze restricts airflow, which can cause your heat exchanger to overheat and trip its safety switch — leaving you with no heat at the worst possible time.
Keep All Vents Open
Do not close vents in unused rooms during a freeze. Your system needs full airflow to prevent the coil from freezing or the heat exchanger from cracking under pressure.
Heat Pump Owners: Read This
Many new homes in The Woodlands Hills, Elyson, Jubilee, and other recent communities use electric heat pumps. In 30-degree weather, the air coming from your vents will be around 90 to 95°F. Because your body temperature is 98.6°F, the air will feel lukewarm or even cool to your hand.
This is completely normal. A heat pump heats your home gradually by moving warm air consistently rather than blasting hot air in short bursts like a gas furnace. As long as your home temperature is holding steady at or near your thermostat setting, the system is working correctly.
Do not switch to "Emergency Heat" unless the system genuinely cannot maintain temperature. Emergency heat runs only the electric resistance strips, which cost three to five times more per hour than your heat pump. Use it as a last resort — not a comfort shortcut.
If your home is losing temperature despite the system running continuously, or if the outdoor unit is completely encased in ice and not entering defrost mode, those are signs of an actual problem. Call us and we will diagnose whether it is a reversing valve issue, a defrost board failure, or a refrigerant charge problem.
New Construction–Specific Winter Concerns
New homes face a few winter challenges that older homes do not. If your home was built within the last two years, pay attention to these.
Settling and Air Leaks
Homes in their first and second winters are still settling. Foundation movement on Houston's clay soils can create small gaps around windows, doors, and where ductwork connects to registers. These gaps let cold air infiltrate and make your system work harder. If you notice cold drafts near baseboards or around ceiling vents, document them for your builder warranty — settling-related air leaks are typically a covered item.
Condensate Drain Lines
When your heat pump runs in heating mode, it produces condensation at the outdoor unit. In a freeze, this condensation can ice over and block drainage around the unit. Make sure the area around your outdoor unit is clear of debris and that water can drain away from the base. Standing water that freezes around the unit can damage the compressor mounting and refrigerant lines.
First-Winter Heat Strip Dust
If this is your home's first winter, the burning dust smell from auxiliary heat may be stronger than in subsequent years. Construction dust that settled into the air handler and onto the heat strips during the building process burns off the first time they activate. This is one of the reasons we recommend a post-construction duct cleaning as part of our first-year service package.
Winter Performance Packages
Mid-Winter Safety Check
- Carbon monoxide test
- Auxiliary heat strip inspection
- Defrost board diagnostic
- Thermostat calibration
- Filter inspection and replacement
Freeze Protection Tune-Up
- Everything in Safety Check
- Condensate drain flush
- Motor capacitor test
- Refrigerant pressure check
- Priority scheduling during freeze events
Frequently Asked Questions
My heat is running constantly. Is it broken?
In 30s and 40s weather, it is normal for a heat pump to run for extended periods — sometimes continuously. Unlike a gas furnace that blasts hot air and cycles off, a heat pump maintains temperature through consistent, moderate heating. This is actually more efficient. As long as the home temperature is holding steady, the system is working correctly.
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 extract heat. Blocking airflow will cause the compressor to overheat and can result in serious damage. The unit is designed to operate in cold weather. Leave it uncovered.
My thermostat says "Aux Heat" constantly — is that normal?
If temperatures are below 35°F, auxiliary heat activation is expected. If your thermostat shows "Aux Heat" when outdoor temperatures are above 45°F, your heat pump may have a malfunction — typically a stuck reversing valve or a failed defrost board. Call us to have it checked before the next freeze.
What temperature should I set my thermostat to during a freeze?
Keep it at 68°F and leave it there. Avoid turning the heat down at night and back up in the morning — that temperature swing forces expensive auxiliary heat to run. A consistent set point is both more comfortable and more efficient with a heat pump system.
Is it normal for my outdoor unit to have ice on it?
A light coating of frost is normal during cold, humid weather. Your system's defrost cycle should clear it every 30 to 90 minutes. If the entire unit is encased in thick ice and you do not hear a defrost cycle engaging, that is a problem. Do not try to remove the ice yourself — call us for a defrost board diagnostic.
Stay Warm This Winter
Don't let a heating failure leave you in the cold. If your system is struggling to keep up, or you want a professional winter check before the next freeze, we are ready to help.