Test heat before the cold front, replace a dirty filter, clear accessible airflow paths, protect the outdoor unit from debris—not with a cover—and make a no-heat plan before temperatures fall.
Do these checks before the forecast arrives
Switch the thermostat to Heat on a mild day and let the system complete a cycle. Confirm warm airflow, listen for new sounds, and replace a visibly loaded filter with the correct size. Keep supply registers and returns open. Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms according to their instructions.
Inspect only what is safely accessible. Do not remove furnace panels, adjust gas valves, or perform electrical work. If the system will not start, use the safe no-heat checklist, then schedule heating repair before demand rises.
Prepare a heat pump without blocking it
Clear loose leaves and debris around the outdoor unit while it is off and only from ground level. Do not cover the unit; it needs airflow while heating. Keep roof runoff from draining onto it. Frost can be normal during cold, damp operation, but a unit encased in persistent ice needs professional heat-pump diagnosis.
Operate the system steadily during the freeze
Use a reasonable, steady setpoint instead of making large thermostat swings. Heat pumps may run longer and may display Auxiliary Heat in colder conditions; our auxiliary versus emergency heat guide explains the difference. Keep exterior doors closed and follow local utility and plumbing guidance.
Have a safe plan if heat or power fails
Know how to contact the utility and your HVAC provider. Never use an oven, grill, generator, or outdoor heater to warm an indoor space. Operate generators outdoors only, well away from doors, windows, and vents, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Plug portable electric heaters directly into a wall outlet, keep them clear of combustibles, and never leave them unattended.
If indoor temperatures are falling and people, pets, or plumbing are at risk, request urgent HVAC help. Preventive heating maintenance is best scheduled before the first hard cold arrives.
Frequently asked questions
Should I cover my outdoor heat pump during a freeze?
No. A running heat pump needs outdoor airflow. Clear loose debris safely, but do not wrap or cover the unit while it operates.
Should I switch a heat pump to Emergency Heat before a freeze?
No. Leave the thermostat in normal Heat mode unless a technician or the equipment instructions direct otherwise. Emergency Heat bypasses normal heat-pump operation and is not a routine cold-weather setting.
Need clear heating answers for your property?
Tell Wright Choice what the system is doing and request an evaluation in Abilene or a nearby Big Country community.