Winter often brings changes in how your HVAC system sounds, runs, or feels. You might notice longer run times, new noises, or rooms that don’t seem to warm evenly. For many homeowners, these changes immediately raise concern that something is wrong. The reality is that HVAC systems behave differently in winter, and many changes are completely normal. Cold weather affects airflow, materials, and runtime patterns in ways that don’t occur during warmer months.

The holidays are a busy season for your home — and your HVAC system feels it more than you might realize. Extra guests, more cooking, frequent door openings, and constant thermostat adjustments all put additional strain on your heating system. While everything may seem fine once the decorations come down, January is often when small HVAC issues begin to surface. January is actually one of the best times to reset your HVAC system, catch minor issues early, and start the year

Most homeowners know they should budget for home maintenance, but HVAC costs often get overlooked until something breaks. In Houston—where systems run nearly year-round—HVAC planning is less about guessing and more about preparing for predictable needs. Whether you want to avoid surprise expenses, improve your home’s comfort, or simply be proactive, having a clear HVAC plan for 2026 can save you money and stress.

If you’ve ever hosted holiday guests, you already know the truth: getting the food right is easy compared to keeping everyone comfortable. One person runs hot, another is freezing, someone opens a window, someone else closes it, and suddenly your thermostat is at the center of a family debate. In Houston, the challenge gets even more interesting. You may have a 40-degree morning followed by a 78-degree afternoon. Add a full house and you’ve got yourself a Texas-sized comfort

Drafts might feel like a small nuisance — that little chill you notice when you walk past a window or sit by the back door. But those tiny leaks? They’re actually one of the biggest reasons Houston homeowners waste money on energy bills. The U.S. Dept of Energy estimates that 25–40% of heating and cooling energy loss comes from air leaks. In Houston, where AC is practically a year-round utility bill and heaters make surprise appearances during cold snaps, sealing drafts pays

When you think “winter problem,” you probably picture burst pipes and blizzards—aka, not Houston. Our winters are mild, short, and a little moody. But here’s the twist: winter is when indoor air quality (IAQ) quietly becomes a big deal. We close windows, spend more time inside, kick on the heat—then recirculate the same air day after day. If your home’s air was a playlist, winter is when it gets stuck on repeat.

Here’s the thing about Houston winters: they’re mild compared to up north, but they’re also unpredictable. One week it’s 80°, the next week you’re wondering if the pipes will freeze. That constant up-and-down has Houstonians running their HVAC systems in weird patterns — heat in the morning, AC by afternoon. It’s also when energy efficiency myths start circulating faster than the neighborhood group text about the next cold front.

Buying a home is a big deal — equal parts exciting, nerve-wracking, and financially terrifying. Between inspections, appraisals, and trying to figure out if your couch will fit in the new living room, there’s one thing you cannot afford to overlook: the HVAC system. In Houston, where air conditioning is basically a life-support system, ignoring the HVAC is like buying a car without asking if the engine works.

Fall in Houston is… unpredictable. One day it’s sweater weather, the next you’re wondering why you ever put the shorts away. We get 50° mornings and 85° afternoons, sometimes in the same 24 hours. And while that’s mildly amusing when you’re trying to pick an outfit, it’s not funny when your HVAC system decides it’s not up for the challenge. That’s why fall is the perfect time to give your system some TLC. Here’s your ultimate fall HVAC maintenance checklist — Houston style.

Here’s a not-so-fun fact: the average home loses 20–30% of conditioned air through leaky ductwork. Translation? You’re paying to cool your attic, your crawlspace, and possibly your neighbor’s attic too. Your ducts are the hidden highways of your HVAC system, quietly moving air from point A (your unit) to point B (your living room). But when they spring a leak, those highways turn into toll roads you’re footing the bill for. So how do you know if your ductwork is betraying y

Smart thermostats are the fancy coffee makers of HVAC — everyone’s talking about them, they look sleek on your wall, and they promise to make your life easier. But do you really need one, or is this just another shiny gadget trying to take your money? Let’s break it down.

If we had a dollar for every time we heard, “It just needs more Freon”, we could retire and spend our days on a beach somewhere cooler than Houston in August. But here’s the deal — most of what you’ve heard about Freon (and other refrigerants) is about as accurate as a weather forecast from 1987. Let’s clear the air.

Houston summers are no joke. We’ve got heat that could fry an egg on your driveway and humidity that makes you question every life choice involving a blow dryer. But what happens when your AC decides it’s going to pull an all-nighter… every night? While it might seem like your system is just trying to help, an AC that runs nonstop can be a sign something’s not right — and it can run your energy bill higher than a Buc-ee’s billboard.

Summer in Texas is no joke. Your A/C becomes the MVP of your home — but even the best system can struggle if your air ducts are packed with dust, debris, or that weird mystery fluff no one wants to talk about. Most homeowners forget about their ductwork because it’s out of sight. But if you’re a hardcore DIYer (and not afraid of a little dust), cleaning your air ducts yourself is absolutely doable.

Ah, summer in Houston — when the humidity hugs you tighter than your grandma at Thanksgiving and your air conditioner becomes your best friend. But if you start noticing tiny, fuzzy bugs fluttering near your vents, your HVAC system might be hosting some uninvited guests: drain flies. Also called moth flies or sewer gnats, these little pests thrive in warm, damp environments — and your A/C’s condensate drain line or drip pan is the perfect vacation spot.

In the heating, ventilation and air conditioning industry, where trust and technical know-how are everything, Velocity Air A/C & Heating has quickly established itself as a reliable name for both commercial and residential services in Houston. Founded in 2019 by Larry Hough, the company is built on decades of experience, a legacy of family craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to honesty.

Winter in Houston is unpredictable — but your comfort doesn’t have to be. Our latest blog shares 5 quick, low-cost ways to winterize your home in under an hour and keep your HVAC system running strong all season long.