Why it matters to you
Greater Houston needs far more cooling than heating — about 3,288 cooling degree days against 1,266 heating degree days a year in NOAA's 1991–2020 normals for Bush Intercontinental — so a heat pump covers the light winter load with the same outdoor unit that handles summer. In the Southeast region, which includes Texas, a new split heat pump must meet at least 14.3 SEER2 and 7.5 HSPF2.
Practical guidance
Check the outdoor unit's data plate or your thermostat's heating options to confirm whether you have a heat pump or an AC paired with a furnace or heat strips. Keeping the outdoor coil clear of leaves and plants is homeowner-safe; anything inside the cabinet, including refrigerant and electrical work, is for a licensed technician.