If you’ve lived in Houston for a while, you already know—our winters aren’t always brutal, but they can surprise you. Most of the year, we’re more concerned with staying cool, but then suddenly… a hard freeze hits, pipes burst, and heaters are working overtime.
That’s why it’s still important to prep your home for the season, even if you’re not expecting snow. The good news? It doesn’t take much. With a few smart adjustments and a solid furnace check-up, your Houston home can be cozy, efficient, and ready for whatever the weather throws your way.
Make HVAC Maintenance a Priority
When it comes to keeping your home warm during a Houston winter, your HVAC system is doing most of the heavy lifting. Even if it only runs for a couple of months a year, you still want it working efficiently when that first cold front rolls in.
Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up
Before temperatures dip, get your heating system inspected by a professional. Houston’s mild climate can trick homeowners into thinking maintenance isn’t needed—but inactivity can lead to unexpected breakdowns when it’s finally time to turn on the heat.
Here’s what we check during your furnace tune-up:
- Heat exchanger for cracks or leaks
- Burners for ignition and flame quality
- Blower components and motor function
- Gas pressure and carbon monoxide levels
- Air filters and system airflow
- Thermostat calibration
Regular HVAC service helps prevent expensive issues and keeps your system running efficiently—even if it only gets heavy use a few weeks a year.
Enroll in Preventative HVAC Maintenance
Want to make things even easier? Our MVP Preventative HVAC Maintenance Program was made for Houston homeowners like you. It includes regular check-ups, discounted repairs, priority scheduling, and peace of mind that your system is always ready—hot or cold.
Seal Up Air Leaks That Let the Heat Out
Houston homes aren’t always built with freezing temps in mind. That means small drafts or poorly insulated areas can make it hard to keep warm air inside once it finally gets cold.
Check Windows and Doors
Drafty windows and doors are the usual suspects. Cold air sneaks in, and your furnace has to work harder to compensate. You can fix a lot of these issues with simple solutions:
- Use weatherstripping around door frames
- Apply caulk around window edges
- Install door sweeps on exterior doors
Even if the leak is small, it adds up over time—especially during a cold front.
Don’t Forget the Attic and Garage
Most heat loss happens through the roof and walls, so your attic insulation plays a big role in keeping your home comfortable. Check for low or missing insulation and consider adding more if it’s uneven.
If your HVAC system covers any rooms over the garage, insulate the garage door and check for air gaps along the base. These spaces are usually not climate-controlled and can impact adjacent areas of your home.
Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Did you know your ceiling fans can help keep rooms warmer? It’s true.
Set the blades to rotate clockwise at a low speed. This pushes warm air (which naturally rises) back down into the room, helping you feel warmer without raising the thermostat. It’s a simple fix that works especially well in homes with high ceilings.
Replace Air Filters
Clean filters help your system breathe and keep the air flowing smoothly. In Houston, filters can clog quickly with dust, humidity, and allergens—even in winter.
Replace your air filters every 1-3 months, depending on usage. As part of our Preventative HVAC Maintenance in Houston, we’ll check and replace filters during your seasonal inspection so you don’t have to remember.
Install a Smart Thermostat
With Houston’s unpredictable weather, some days you don’t even need to turn on the heater—until you do. A smart or programmable thermostat helps you adapt quickly, keeping your home comfortable without wasting energy.
Benefits include:
- Temperature scheduling
- Remote control from your smartphone
- Energy usage tracking
- Integration with HVAC system alerts
We can help recommend and install a model that fits your system and preferences.
Use Thermal Curtains for Added Insulation
Thermal or blackout curtains add a surprising level of insulation around your windows. During cold nights, they help block out chilly drafts. During the day, open them up to let the sun naturally warm your space.
This small change can make a noticeable difference, especially in older homes or homes with large window areas.
Prepare for Houston’s Surprise Cold Snaps
Let’s be honest—most of the time, winter in Houston is mild. But when those freak freezes come through, they can cause serious damage. We’ve seen everything from ice on the 610 loop to a few inches of snow in Galveston.
Here are a few extra precautions to take:
- Know how to shut off your HVAC system, gas, and water if needed
- Protect exposed pipes with foam insulation
- Keep cabinet doors open during hard freezes to let warm air reach plumbing
- Store extra filters, batteries for thermostats, and a backup space heater just in case
Most importantly, don’t ignore strange noises or issues coming from your furnace. Any odd smells, constant cycling, or failure to heat properly could be a sign of trouble. Catching it early with professional furnace repair in Houston will save you from bigger headaches down the line.
Let AIRTEAM Help You Prep For Houston’s Unpredictable Winter
AIRTEAM Heating & Cooling knows how Houston homes are built—and how quickly the weather can turn. Our local technicians specialize in making sure your HVAC system is tuned up, efficient, and ready for whatever this winter brings (even if it’s 80° one day and freezing the next).
Whether you need a one-time tune-up or want the full benefits of our MVP Maintenance Program, we’re here to help you stay warm and stress-free.
Call us today at (713) 956-8326 or visit www.airteamltd.com to schedule your winter prep service. We’ll help make sure your home is ready—no matter what kind of “Houston winter” shows up this year.
