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Why Furnace Maintenance Matters | Lakeway Heating and Air

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Maintaining your furnace isn’t just about your comfort; it’s about avoiding unexpected breakdowns, reducing energy costs, and extending the life of your HVAC heating and air system in Lakeway.

A properly maintained furnace runs more efficiently, reducing energy use and bills.

Regular maintenance by a Lakeway heating and air technician can catch issues before they become emergencies! Saving you both money and the hassle of emergency repairs.

For many households, bi-annual service (once before winter and once before summer) ensures your Lakeway heating and air systems remain reliable year-round.

With proper maintenance, your furnace becomes more than a seasonal appliance; it becomes a durable, dependable system.

What Can Go Wrong: Common Furnace Problems

Even a well-maintained system can run into issues, but knowing the most common problems can help you intervene early.

Issues homeowners can often fix themselves:

Clogged air filter: Dust and debris restrict airflow, hurting your efficiency and even causing the furnace to shut off to prevent damage.
Incorrect thermostat settings: If the thermostat is set incorrectly (like on “cool” or “off” instead of “heat”), the furnace may not turn on at all.
Tripped circuit breaker: Sometimes the solution is as simple as resetting a breaker, but if it trips repeatedly, that’s a sign of a deeper issue.

Problems needing professional attention:

Ignition issues: Modern furnaces often rely on electronic igniters, which can wear out over time. If the furnace won’t fire up even with the correct thermostat and a clean filter, the igniter may be the culprit.
Blower or belt problems: Unusual noises, poor airflow, or a burning smell may indicate a blower motor or belt issue.
Dirty or malfunctioning burners: A furnace’s burners must fire properly for heat generation; if they’re dirty or misaligned, the furnace may underperform or fail altogether.

Routine maintenance often prevents these bigger problems, but once they appear, you’ll likely need professional help.

Furnace Maintenance Checklist

Following this checklist can help keep your furnace running smoothly. Combining these tasks with a bi-annual check from AeroDS ensures both safety and efficiency year-round, no matter the temperature or weather.

Regular Monthly to Quarterly tasks:

Replace or clean the air filter! Especially if you have pets, live in a dusty area, or run the furnace or AC frequently.
Keep the area around the furnace clean and clear of dust, debris, or obstructions.
Test thermostat settings. Ensure it’s set to “heat” and reflects current seasonal needs.
Check weather stripping and insulation around doors/windows to help keep warm air in (and cold draft out) to reduce furnace strain.
Verify that carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are installed and functioning properly, and change their batteries every six months.

Fall Tune-up (In Heating Mode) Performed by an AeroDS Technician:

Perform a temperature split & check refrigerant if needed*
Check blower
Inspect heat exchange*
Check the heat kit for proper operation*
Inspect gas pressure & flame*
Inspect igniter/pilot light*
Check Safety Circuit and/or RDS for proper operation*
Inspect and treat the condensate drain
Inspect ductwork if accessible
Inspect the evaporator coil
Inspect overflow pan for debris*
Inspect plenum
Inspect the condenser coil and clean if needed
Inspect filter
CO Check*
Check system for defrost operation*

At the end of each visit, you’ll receive personalized recommendations to keep your system running efficiently. *Not all checks apply to all types of systems and may not be performed on your system if not applicable.

Avoiding Lakeway Heating and Air Emergencies

Unexpected furnace failures, especially during cold weather or when hosting guests, can be more than just inconvenient: they can be dangerous. That’s why proactive maintenance is important.

A neglected furnace is more likely to fail when you need it most. Regular bi-annual maintenance reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns.
Major safety concerns like gas leaks, faulty burners, or malfunctioning ignitions can lead to carbon monoxide exposure. Biannual maintenance checks and working CO detectors can help protect you and your family.
Preventative maintenance, including filter changes, cleaning, and professional tune-ups, generally costs far less than emergency repairs, making it a better financial decision as well as a comfort one.

In short: regular maintenance isn’t optional, it’s essential.

Why This Matters For Lakeway Heating and Air Systems

Maintaining your furnace keeps your home comfortable, safe, and energy-efficient. Simple tasks like filter changes and airflow checks, combined with bi-annual professional inspections, help prevent emergencies. Call us today to get a limited offer that includes a year of maintenance! Purchase the Lennox L40 Smart Thermostat for just $350—and we’ll include a one-year maintenance service agreement on your system FREE (a $175 value).