Heating
Air Conditioning
Ductwork & Air Flow
Building Science
Insulation & Envelope
Humidity & Moisture Control
Ventilation & Filtration
Pure Maintenance
Mold
Remediation & Restoration
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
Health & Safety
Maintenance
Tips & Tricks
Case Study- Home
- Resource Center
- Heating
Heating Guides
18 guidesAustin winters are mostly mild, with a few hard freezes mixed in, and that pattern shapes which heating systems work best here. These guides explain heat pumps, electric heat strips, gas furnaces and dual fuel, plus what your thermostat is telling you when the weather turns cold.
Start with Aux Heat vs. Emergency Heat, then compare systems in Heat Pump vs. Gas Furnace vs. Dual Fuel in Central Texas and read Can a Heat Pump Keep Up With a Texas Freeze? before the next cold snap.
To learn more about the heating equipment common in Central Texas homes, see our heating services page.
- All
- Heating
- Air Conditioning
- Ductwork & Air Flow
- Building Science
- Insulation & Envelope
- Humidity & Moisture Control
- Ventilation & Filtration
- Pure Maintenance
- Mold
- Remediation & Restoration
- Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
- Health & Safety
- Maintenance
- Tips & Tricks
- Case Study
HeatingWhy a Bigger Furnace Isn’t Better: The Case for Dual FuelMost Austin winter days need only a little heat, so an oversized gas furnace short cycles, causing uneven comfort and extra wear. A right-sized…
HeatingHeater Smells Like Burning? What’s Normal and When to CallA light, dusty burning smell the first few times you run the heat each fall is usually normal. A strong, electrical or hot-plastic smell…
HeatingHeat Pump vs. Gas Furnace vs. Dual Fuel in Central TexasFor most Central Texas homes, a heat pump with backup heat strips is a practical main heating system, since winters are mild and it…
HeatingWhat Drives the Cost of a New Heat Pump in Austin?The cost of a new heat pump in Austin depends mostly on the size your home needs, the efficiency tier (SEER2 and HSPF2), the…
HeatingWhy Is My Heat Pump Blowing Cold Air in Heat Mode?Often it's normal: heat pump air is warm but not furnace-hot, and a defrost cycle can blow cooler air for a few minutes. If…
HeatingAux Heat vs. Emergency Heat: What Your Heat Pump Thermostat Is Telling YouAux heat is backup heat, usually electric heat strips, that your thermostat turns on automatically when the heat pump needs help. Emergency heat is…
HeatingWhat’s Included in an HVAC Tune-Up?An HVAC tune-up is a professional inspection, cleaning and adjustment of your heating and cooling system: filter, coils, condensate drain, electrical parts, refrigerant charge,…- HeatingShould You Replace Your AC to Get a SEER2 System?No. SEER2 is a newer testing standard for new air conditioners and heat pumps, not a rule that you replace a working system, and…
HeatingHow Long Does an AC Last in Central Texas?Most central air conditioners and heat pumps in Central Texas last about 10 to 15 years, and well-installed, well-maintained systems sometimes go longer. Long…- HeatingCan a Heat Pump Keep Up With a Texas Freeze?Yes, with the right setup. A properly sized heat pump handles a typical Central Texas winter on its own and leans on built-in electric…
HeatingAustin Energy Rebates and Tax Credits for HVAC Upgrades (2026 Guide)In 2026, Austin Energy customers can still get rebates for qualifying AC and heat pump replacements, duct sealing, attic insulation and smart thermostats. The…
HeatingWhy Does Winter Air Feel So Dry Indoors? Causes and FixesWinter air feels dry because cold air holds very little moisture, and when it leaks in and gets heated its relative humidity drops further.…
