Heat Pumps in Texas | The Complete Guide for Homeowners

The most common type. Outdoor unit extracts/rejects heat from air. Works great in Texas mild winters.

Heat pump handles 90% of heating; gas furnace kicks in below 35°F. Best comfort in extreme cold.

No ductwork needed. Perfect for additions, garages, or homes without ducts.

One outdoor unit serves 2-5 indoor units. Individual room control.

Uses ground temperature (55°F year-round). Highest efficiency, highest upfront cost.

Best for: Homeowners wanting proven reliability

Best for: Long-term ownership, tough conditions

Best for: Maximum efficiency, noise-sensitive

Best for: Value-conscious buyers

Best for: Budget-focused, rental properties

Cold Snaps (The February 2021 Factor)

Below 25°F, heat pumps rely on backup heat strips that run at 100% efficiency—no better than a space heater. During extended freezes, electric bills spike dramatically. Dual-fuel systems avoid this problem entirely.

Upfront Cost Premium

Heat pumps cost $1,000-$2,000 more than equivalent AC-only units. This premium is offset by tax credits and operating savings, but you need 3-5 years to break even.

Electricity Rate Sensitivity

If your electricity plan has high per-kWh rates above 1000 kWh usage, heat pump savings diminish. Lock in a good rate before installing.

Existing Gas Infrastructure

If you have a working gas furnace and gas water heater, the economics favor keeping the gas connection. Consider dual-fuel to get both benefits.

What size heat pump do I need for a 2000 square foot house?

A 2000 square foot house in North Texas typically needs a 3 to 3.5 ton heat pump. However, proper sizing depends on more than square footage—ceiling height, insulation quality, window count and direction, and home age all matter. A 1985 home with original insulation might need 4 tons, while a 2020 build with spray foam might only need 2.5 tons. We always do a Manual J load calculation before recommending a size. Oversizing is as bad as undersizing—an oversized heat pump short-cycles, doesn't dehumidify properly, and wears out faster.

How long do heat pumps last in Texas?

Heat pumps in North Texas typically last 15-18 years with proper maintenance. Texas heat is hard on equipment—running 7+ months of cooling wears the compressor more than northern climates. However, because our winters are mild, the heating cycle gets less stress. The key factors affecting lifespan: annual maintenance (adds 3-5 years), quality of installation (proper refrigerant charge is critical), and how hard the system works (oversized or undersized units die sooner). We've seen Trane units hit 22 years and budget units fail at 8. You get what you pay for.

At what temperature do heat pumps become inefficient?

Heat pumps lose efficiency gradually as outdoor temperature drops, but the critical threshold is around 25-30°F. Above 35°F, heat pumps run at 250-300% efficiency—way better than any furnace. At 25°F, efficiency drops to about 150%. Below 25°F, the backup heat strips start kicking in, which are only 100% efficient (same as a space heater). That's why we recommend dual-fuel systems for Texas—heat pump handles 90% of winter days efficiently, gas furnace takes over during the rare deep freezes.

Are heat pumps worth it in Texas?

For most North Texas homes, yes—especially if you're replacing both your AC and furnace anyway. Texas winters average 35-55°F, which is the heat pump sweet spot. Our customers typically save $200-$500/year on energy versus gas furnaces, and federal tax credits ($2,000) plus utility rebates ($300-$600) help offset the upfront cost. However, heat pumps make less sense if: your gas furnace still works fine, you keep your house at 74°F during winter, or your home has poor insulation. We'll give you an honest assessment.

What is the federal tax credit for heat pumps in 2025-2026?

The federal tax credit for heat pumps is 30% of the total cost, up to $2,000 maximum, through 2032. To qualify, your heat pump must meet the efficiency requirements: 16 SEER2 minimum (most mid-range and higher units qualify). The credit applies to both equipment and installation costs. You claim it on your federal tax return using Form 5695. Important: this is a tax credit, not a rebate—you need to owe at least $2,000 in federal taxes to get the full benefit. Consult your tax professional for your specific situation.

Can a heat pump heat a house in the winter in Texas?

Absolutely—heat pumps can handle Texas winters alone for about 95% of winter days. Our average winter lows are 35-45°F, where heat pumps run at peak efficiency. The only times you need backup heat: during freezes below 25°F (maybe 5-10 days per year) and during ice storms that coat the outdoor unit. Most systems have electric backup heat strips for these situations. For maximum comfort during extreme cold, we recommend dual-fuel systems that pair a heat pump with a gas furnace.

What SEER rating should I get for a heat pump in Texas?

For North Texas, we recommend 16-18 SEER2 as the sweet spot. Here's why: 14 SEER2 (minimum legal) saves on upfront cost but runs higher bills; 16-18 SEER2 qualifies for tax credits and offers good ROI; 20+ SEER2 is premium efficiency but the payback period extends to 12-15 years. With Texas electricity at 12-14¢/kWh, the jump from 14 to 17 SEER2 saves about $150-$200/year. The jump from 17 to 22 SEER2 only saves another $80-$100/year for twice the upfront cost. Variable-speed 18 SEER2 is our most popular recommendation.

How much does it cost to install a heat pump in North Texas?

Heat pump installation in North Texas costs $6,500-$15,000 for most homes. Entry-level 14 SEER systems start at $5,500-$7,500; mid-range 16-18 SEER systems run $8,000-$12,000; premium variable-speed 20+ SEER systems cost $12,000-$18,000. Factors that increase cost: older homes needing ductwork modifications ($1,500-$4,000), electrical panel upgrades ($1,200-$2,500), difficult attic access, or multi-story homes. After tax credits and rebates, effective cost drops by $2,000-$2,600.

What is better: heat pump or AC with gas furnace?

For North Texas, heat pumps beat AC/gas furnace combos for most homeowners. Heat pumps cost less upfront (one unit vs two), operate cheaper in our mild winters, qualify for larger tax credits, and have a smaller carbon footprint. Gas furnaces win only if: you demand 74°F+ during freezes, your home has poor insulation, you're keeping an existing working furnace, or you plan to move within 3 years. The ideal Texas setup is a dual-fuel system—heat pump for 90% of the year, gas furnace for extreme cold days.

Do heat pumps work in 100 degree weather?

Yes, heat pumps cool your home at 100°F the same way any air conditioner does—they're essentially ACs with reversing valves. The cooling mode is identical in function. High efficiency heat pumps (18+ SEER2) actually perform better in extreme heat than budget units because variable-speed compressors adjust to the load. The only caveat: keep the outdoor unit clear of debris and ensure adequate airflow. We've never had a properly installed heat pump fail to cool during Texas summers.

Why is my heat pump blowing cold air in heat mode?

A heat pump blowing cold air in heat mode usually means: (1) the thermostat is set wrong—check it's on "heat" not "cool," (2) the system is in defrost mode—outdoor units defrost every 30-90 minutes in winter, which briefly blows cool air, (3) low refrigerant—the most common repair issue, causing inadequate heating, (4) reversing valve stuck—the valve that switches between heating/cooling failed, or (5) outdoor unit frozen over—common after ice storms. If it's not thermostat or defrost mode, call for service.

How often should a heat pump be serviced?

Heat pumps should be professionally serviced once per year—ideally in spring before cooling season. The tune-up should include: checking refrigerant charge, cleaning coils, inspecting electrical connections, testing defrost cycle, lubricating motors, and verifying thermostat calibration. Cost is typically $150-$250. Between professional visits, change your air filter every 1-3 months and rinse the outdoor unit with a garden hose twice yearly. This maintenance schedule extends heat pump lifespan by 3-5 years and maintains efficiency.