Climate Change Is Making Winter Weather Unpredictable in Texas – Here’s Why Every Bexar County Home Needs Backup Heat

Texas homeowners have witnessed firsthand how climate change is creating more extreme and unpredictable weather patterns. After the Texas winter storm of 2021, the relationship between climate change and extreme weather became evident. It wasn’t a typical winter chill, but a deadly storm that left long-lasting impacts on the whole community. As coastal states including California, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas are experiencing “more significant storms and extreme swings in precipitation”, Bexar County residents are discovering that their heating systems need to be more resilient than ever before.

The New Reality: Extreme Weather is Here to Stay

Climate scientists and academics say that as emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases continue to push temperatures higher, severe weather in the state is likely to worsen. They add that Texas will likely see a growing gap between wet parts of the state and dry parts as climate change alters precipitation patterns and warms oceans. This means Bexar County homeowners can expect more frequent temperature extremes that push heating systems beyond their normal operating limits.

The 2021 Winter Storm Uri serves as a stark reminder of what can happen when heating systems fail. More than 4.5 million homes and businesses were left without power, some for several days. At least 246 people were killed directly or indirectly, with some estimates as high as 702 killed as a result of the crisis. Even with infrastructure improvements since 2021, Gov. Greg Abbott said at a press conference Thursday morning that he was issuing a disaster declaration for more than 130 counties. He also said the northern two-thirds of the state — from the Panhandle to potentially as far south as the San Antonio region — was expected to be hit the hardest.

Why Single-Source Heating Systems Are No Longer Enough

Traditional heating systems in Texas were designed for the state’s historically mild winters. However, on average, the winter temperatures in Plano can reach 38°F or dip even lower. In recent years, Texas has experienced extreme winter weather that a heat pump alone wouldn’t be able to handle. This reality extends throughout Bexar County, where Texas winters might be mild most of the time, but when cold snaps hit Bexar County, TX your heating system becomes essential for your family’s comfort and safety.

Standard and dual-fuel heat pumps are the best options for Dallas homeowners in terms of savings and efficiency due to the wide range of weather we experience — from hot temperatures in the summer to freezing or below-freezing temperatures in the winter. The primary issue with standard heat pumps in Dallas has been that they struggle to provide adequate heating when our weather is 10 to 15 degrees below freezing. The same challenges apply to Bexar County homes.

Dual Fuel Systems: The Smart Solution for Texas Homes

The most effective solution for climate-resilient heating is a dual fuel system that combines an electric heat pump with a gas furnace backup. Hybrid systems combining heat pumps with gas backup offer the best of both worlds – efficiency most of the time with reliable backup heat when needed. Professional heating system installation bexar county,TX experts recommend these systems because they automatically switch between energy sources based on outdoor temperatures and efficiency.

The purpose of a dual fuel system is to act as a backup to the traditional heat pump that will kick on when the temperature drops to below 40°F. The dual fuel system will use whatever heating device is the most efficient depending on the temperature outdoors. This intelligent switching ensures maximum comfort while optimizing energy costs.

Benefits Beyond Emergency Preparedness

Dual fuel systems offer advantages that extend beyond emergency backup heating:

• Energy Efficiency: Heat pumps are more efficient than furnaces in temperatures above 35°F. Using electricity in mild weather and gas in freezing weather maximizes energy savings.
• Cost Flexibility: Homeowners with a dual fuel system can change the switchover temperature to maximize savings as fuel prices change. If natural gas is expensive, the switchover temperature can be lowered so the heat pump provides more heating. If natural gas is cheap, the switchover temperature can be raised so the furnace provides more heating.
• Reliable Comfort: With a dual fuel heat pump, homeowners can have peace of mind knowing that when it’s too cold outside for the heat pump to work efficiently, the backup gas furnace will take over. While you may not think you need a dual fuel system for your Plano home, it can provide maximum heating power when Texas experiences one of its crazy winter storms.

Professional Installation Makes the Difference

Texas Air Repair started when our founders recognized that Bexar County, TX needed HVAC services built on family values: reliability, integrity, and genuine care. With deep local roots, we set out to serve our community with the same dedication we bring to our own families. For over thirty years, we have applied our experience and commitment to heating and cooling services across San Antonio, Houston, and Austin.

Proper installation is crucial for dual fuel systems to function correctly. When we install your heating system in Bexar County, we properly size equipment for your space, ensure safe gas line connections, verify correct electrical hookups, and test everything thoroughly. We handle permits, coordinate inspections, and register warranties so everything is done correctly. We evaluate your home’s insulation, size, existing infrastructure, and heating priorities to recommend the most suitable system for your specific situation and budget.

Don’t Wait for the Next Emergency

Climate change isn’t slowing down, and neither should your preparation efforts. In a future likely to feature more destructive storms potentially causing more damage to infrastructure, some power outages are inevitable, experts warn. Rather than relying on centralized large power plants, they advocate investing in backup power in the form of battery storage run by utilities and individual homes. A dual fuel heating system provides that essential backup at the home level.

Texas Air Repair brings family-owned reliability to every HVAC project in Bexar County, TX. We understand that your comfort can’t wait, which is why we’ve built our reputation on honest service, fair pricing, and getting the job done right the first time. That commitment has earned us the trust of homeowners and businesses alike, from emergency AC repairs to full system installations. No matter the project size, we treat every job like we’re working on our own family’s home.

The time to upgrade your heating system isn’t during the next winter emergency – it’s now, while you can make informed decisions and ensure proper installation. Contact Texas Air Repair today to learn how a dual fuel system can protect your family’s comfort and safety against Texas’s increasingly unpredictable climate.