People said SoCal was chill, but you never imagined it would get this f@#%ing cold! And while it might be 72°F and sunny during the day, those 40°F nights are no joke. The good news: if you’re tired of huddling up in three layers of clothes beneath a mountain of blankets, we have a solution to keep your home comfy, and cozy all winter long. 

It’s called an HVAC, and while most people tend to zero in on the A/C portion of the word, these systems do a whole lot more than keep you cool during a long, sweaty LA summer! HVACs also provide heat, making them the perfect whole-home solution for somewhere with a lot more seasonality than most of us like to admit. (We know the real reason you’re gritting your teeth in the beachy Christmas card photo you send your cousins back east each winter, and it’s not because you’re smiling at the warm weather.)

This article includes everything you need to know about HVAC heating systems, tips for selecting the right setup, and resources to keep your heater in peak condition.

How Do HVAC Heaters Work?

An HVAC delivers year-round comfort by combining heating and cooling in one solution. 

An HVAC isn’t just one machine—it’s a network of interconnected tech designed to create a comfortable indoor living environment. The heater works alongside a thermostat, filter, fan, humidifier, and, in many cases, a network of ducts.

The two most popular HVAC heating options are furnaces and heat pumps.

Furnaces

Furnaces are the most widely used heating option in the U.S., running on fuel sources like oil, natural gas, or electricity.

Here’s how furnaces work:

1. Fuel ignites the burner, producing heat.
2. This heat passes through a heat exchanger, warming the air that flows through your ductwork.
3. A blower fan distributes the warm air evenly throughout your home.
4. Once the desired temperature is reached, the system shuts off until more heat is needed.

Furnaces are especially effective in cold conditions when outdoor temperatures drop below 50°F because they quickly generate heat.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps offer a two-in-one solution that provides heating and cooling, depending on the temperature inside your home. 

• Summer: Heat pumps operate like air conditioners, removing heat from your home.
• Winter: A reversing valve activates to pull heat from the outdoor air and transfer it indoors.

This automated system requires zero homeowner intervention, as the heat pump automatically switches between heating and cooling based on the temperature. Heat pumps share components with split-system air conditioners and use similar technology when cooling.

Which Heating System Is Best for Your Home?

• Furnaces: Ideal for colder regions, especially when nighttime temperatures frequently dip below 50°F.
• Heat Pumps: Energy-efficient and well-suited for a range of climates, offering both heating and cooling in one system.

Reliable HVAC Services

At Orange County Plumbing, Heating & Air, our team wants to help keep your home warm and comfy all winter long. From installations to repairs and routine maintenance, our skilled technicians are ready to assist with heat pumps, furnaces, and more.

Call us at (714) 459-5673 for an estimate today—your frozen toes will thank you!