Heating Services
Converse

Continuous runtime with a cool or lukewarm airflow usually means the reversing valve has failed to switch into heating mode, or the system has quietly dropped into electric backup strip operation, which produces warm but often insufficient heat compared to normal compressor-assisted heating.

A heat pump running on electric backup strips instead of its normal compressor cycle uses significantly more electricity for the same amount of warmth. This typically points to a reversing valve or defrost control board failure rather than normal winter usage.

Yes. Homes built before the FM78 corridor’s newer subdivisions commonly still run original gas furnaces, which depend on a clean flame sensor, properly seated igniter, and a gas valve that hasn’t stiffened from limited winter use.

Most systems last 12 to 18 years with regular maintenance. Gas furnaces in older Converse homes that have run reliably for over 15 years are often nearing the point where replacement becomes more cost effective than continued repair.

Component-level repairs such as flame sensors, igniters, capacitors, and control boards generally do not require a permit. A full system replacement or any change to the gas line configuration typically requires review through the City of Converse’s own building and development services department.

Yes. A clogged filter restricts airflow across the heat exchanger or heat pump coil, which can trigger a safety shutoff or force the system to run longer than necessary to reach the thermostat’s set temperature.

Emergency dispatch is available 24/7, with priority given to no-heat calls during active cold fronts. Standard, non-emergency appointments are typically available within 1 to 2 business days.

Most repairs run $300 to $2,000 depending on whether the issue is on a gas furnace or a heat pump system. A written quote is provided before any work begins, whether the fix is a flame sensor replacement or a defrost board repair.

AUX HEAT indicates the system is using backup electric heat strips in addition to or instead of the heat pump’s normal compressor cycle. Occasional use during extreme cold is normal, but if AUX HEAT stays on constantly in mild weather, the heat pump likely needs diagnostic service.

This is usually a duct balancing issue rather than a failing furnace or heat pump. Many two-story subdivision floor plans in Converse were built without dampers adjusted for the added heat loss upstairs, leaving the second floor consistently cooler.

A general guideline: if the system is past 12 years old and a single repair would cost more than about half the price of replacement, replacement usually offers better long-term value. A single failed component on a younger system is typically a strong repair candidate instead.

An annual tune-up scheduled in the fall, before the first hard freeze, catches a stiff gas valve or a failing defrost board while parts are in stock and appointments are easy to schedule, rather than during an active cold front.

Both are common in Converse and each has tradeoffs. Heat pumps offer efficient heating and cooling in one system but rely on backup strips during the coldest snaps, while gas furnaces provide stronger heat output but require separate cooling equipment. Honeycomb services and recommends based on the specific home, not a one-size-fits-all answer.

A tune-up includes inspection of the flame sensor and igniter on gas furnaces, or the reversing valve and defrost board on heat pumps, along with airflow, thermostat response, and electrical safety checks, with a written summary of anything found before any repair is recommended.