In Central Texas, the heater sits quiet for months while the AC does all the work. Then the first real cold front rolls through Killeen, Belton, Temple or Georgetown, everyone flips the thermostat to HEAT on the same night, and that’s when a lot of systems that sat idle all summer show their problems.

A little attention now, while it’s still mild out, can save you a cold night later. Here’s what you can check yourself, what to leave to a licensed technician, and when it makes sense to call us.

Why fall is the right time to check your heater

Your heating system may not have run in six months or more. Over the summer, dust settles on burners and heat strips, filters load up from heavy AC use, and small issues like a weak igniter or a worn part can go unnoticed because nothing has asked the heater to work yet.

Checking it before you need it means:

You find problems on your schedule, not during a cold snap when every HVAC company in the area is busy.
Your system runs more efficiently all winter.
You get peace of mind that the equipment is operating safely.

Your 10-minute homeowner heater check

You don’t need tools for any of this. If anything looks or smells wrong, stop and give us a call.

Replace or clean the air filter. After a long Texas summer of AC use, it’s probably due. A clogged filter makes any system work harder.
Test the thermostat. Switch it to HEAT and set it a few degrees above room temperature. You should hear the system start and feel warm air at the vents within a few minutes. If your thermostat uses batteries, swap them now.
Expect a little “first run” smell. A faint dusty or burning-dust smell the first time the heat comes on is common as settled dust burns off, and it should clear quickly. If the smell is strong, keeps going, or smells like gas, turn the system off, leave the house if you smell gas, and call your gas utility and a professional.
Check your carbon monoxide detectors. If you have a gas furnace or any gas appliances, test your CO detectors and replace batteries.
Clear the area around the equipment. Keep storage boxes, paint cans and clutter away from your furnace or air handler, and keep leaves and debris away from an outdoor heat pump unit.
Walk the vents. Make sure supply and return vents aren’t blocked by furniture or rugs.

Heat pump owners: know your “emergency heat” setting

Many homes in our area heat with a heat pump. When it gets truly cold, your system may lean on auxiliary or “emergency” heat, which is far less efficient and more expensive to run. It’s meant for extreme cold or when the heat pump isn’t working, not for everyday use.

We explain when to use it, and when not to, in our FAQ: When to Use Emergency Heat on a Heat Pump.

If your heat pump is running on emergency heat all the time, blowing cool air in heat mode, or icing over and not clearing, that’s a sign it needs service.

What a professional heater tune-up covers that you can’t

Some things should only be handled by a trained, licensed technician, especially on gas equipment. A professional visit can inspect and clean internal components, check electrical connections and safety controls, and confirm the system is heating the way it should. It’s also the best way to spot a part that’s on its way out before it fails on a cold night.

Warning signs your heater needs repair

Call for service if you notice:

No heat, or the system turns on and shuts off quickly
Cool air coming from the vents in heat mode
Loud banging, grinding or squealing noises
A burning smell that doesn’t go away after the first run
A gas smell (leave the home first and call your gas utility)
Heating bills climbing for no clear reason
Your heat pump running on emergency heat most of the time

If you need help, we repair furnaces, heat pumps and electric heat in Killeen, Belton, Temple, Georgetown and the surrounding area. Request service online or call the office nearest you below.

Make it automatic with Cool Club

Our Cool Club maintenance plans aren’t just for summer. Every plan includes two visits a year: one in fall (September, October or November) to get your heater ready, and one in spring (February, March or April) before cooling season. Visits are built around our 21 Point Precision Checkup and Cleaning, members get 10% off parts (labor not included), and plans are tiered, with better benefits on higher tiers. Call today and ask about our Cool Club membership tiers. Learn about Cool Club maintenance.

Financing for a new system

If your heater check turns up a system that’s ready for replacement, financing for new systems is available through Regions and Microf. Apply for Microf financing, or ask our team about options when you call.

Honoring our heroes

We proudly support local military members and first responders with 10% off parts for repairs (labor not included) and 5% off full system replacements. Just let us know when you call.

Family-owned in Central Texas since 1988

Ellis Air Systems has served Central Texas families since 1988, and we’ve been Voted Best in Central Texas 2011–2026. Our founder Fred Ellis put it simply: “We sell service, not excuses.” That’s still how we work today.

Call the office nearest you (all three offices are open Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM; limited after-hours slots available, call to check availability):

Killeen: (254) 526-5410, 3513 Florence Road, Killeen, TX 76542
Temple: (254) 598-2074, 6102 W Adams Ave #C, Temple, TX 76502
Georgetown: (512) 503-5407, 4887-2 Williams Dr, Suite 205, Georgetown, TX 78633

FAQ (for FAQ block / schema)

When should I schedule a heater tune-up in Central Texas?
Early fall, before the first cold front, is ideal. You’ll find problems before you need heat and avoid the rush when temperatures drop.

Is a burning smell normal when I first turn on the heat?
A faint dusty smell the first time is common as settled dust burns off and should clear quickly. A strong or lingering smell, or any gas smell, means turn the system off and call for help.

Should I use emergency heat on my heat pump?
Only in extreme cold or when the heat pump isn’t working. Emergency heat costs more to run. See our emergency heat FAQ for details.

Does Cool Club cover heating too?
Yes. Cool Club plans include two visits a year, one in fall (September to November) for your heating system and one in spring (February to April) for cooling, built around our 21 Point Precision Checkup and Cleaning. Members also get 10% off parts (labor not included). Plans are tiered, with better benefits on higher tiers. Call today and ask about our Cool Club membership tiers.

Do you offer financing for a new heating system?
Yes. Financing for new systems is available through Regions and Microf. You can apply for Microf financing online or ask our team when you call.

Do you offer after-hours heating service?
Limited after-hours slots available, call to check availability.

Do you offer a military or first-responder discount?
Yes. Military members and first responders get 10% off parts for repairs (labor not included) and 5% off full system replacements.