Falling leaves and cooling temperatures mean it’s time to prepare homes for whatever winter has in store for Kansas City this year. Early preparation can help protect a family’s most valuable asset from unexpected (and often unnecessary) damage and costly repairs.
HEATING & SAFETY
Why should I get a furnace check in the fall?
Getting a furnace professionally checked in the fall ensures that the system is set to keep the house safe, cozy, and comfortable all winter long. Scheduling a checkup in the fall allows plenty of time to address any potential problems before it gets terribly cold outside. The last thing anyone wants is for the heat to go out on the coldest night of the year. Having an expert inspect the system in the fall can help prevent failures all winter long.
Schedule a professional HVAC system check in the fall before you turn on the heat for the first time.
In fact, regular seasonal inspections are highly recommended, especially if you have an older system or are looking to extend the lifespan of your current system. Who wants to spend money when they don’t need to, right? Professionals can catch small issues before they become big and expensive problems, while also improving a system’s overall efficiency. And staying warm is not the only concern. Safety is a real issue, too. A professional can also spot and correct carbon monoxide leaks, faulty electrical components, gas leaks, and blocked exhaust vents.
That makes early fall the best time to schedule a furnace maintenance check, ideally before turning the heat on for the first time. Also, keep in mind that HVAC companies naturally get busier as temperatures drop, so calling them early makes it easier to get an appointment.
How can I help my furnace work more efficiently?
Homeowners can reduce unnecessary strain on their HVAC system while keeping indoor temperatures comfortable by following a few simple maintenance tips:
- Change furnace filters regularly
- Keep vents clear
- Avoid frequent dramatic thermostat adjustments
- Seal drafts around doors and windows
- Keep the area around the furnace clear
- Pay attention to any new unusual sounds or smells
Change filters regularly to extend the lifespan of your HVAC system.
If the furnace is struggling to reach the temperature set on the thermostat, or if there’s an unexpected spike in energy bills, call an HVAC technician to have the underlying issue addressed as soon as possible.
Who does Ellen recommend for furnace service in Kansas City?
Ellen always recommends I Am Heating & Cooling LLC for any HVAC services. Give them a call at (816) 739-6525 to schedule your fall system inspection.
What home safety checks should I make before winter?
Review these home safety essentials before the cold arrives:
- Replace batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
- Have the fireplace inspected and swept
- Test and start your snowblower and/or backup generator
- Replace any burned-out bulbs in outdoor lights
- Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas and disconnect garden hoses
- Stock up on concrete-safe ice melt*
- Restock your emergency kit
Make it a habit to check and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors each season.
*Avoid ice melts that contain calcium chloride or magnesium chloride, as these can damage new or porous concrete.
What should be in my winter emergency kit?
Winter emergency kits should include flashlights, batteries, battery-powered lamps, bottled water, nonperishable food, extra medication, candles, matches, and blankets. Ellen also recommends including a charged power bank for the family’s cell phones.
The power can go out at any time during the winter, and a major outage can leave you without power for days, so make sure your emergency kit is fully stocked and that everyone in the family knows where to find it.
SEALING THE HOUSE
How do I stop winter drafts?
It’s important to seal any gaps around the house to keep the cold air out and the warm air in. Even the smallest slivers of space around doors and windows can force a furnace to work harder to maintain a steady, comfortable temperature.
Here are some of Ellen’s top tips for stopping winter drafts:
- Seal gaps around windows and doors with caulk or weatherstripping
- Install door sweeps where needed
- Hang heavy curtains to help insulate windows and reduce heat loss
- Set ceiling fans to turn clockwise at a low speed
Set ceiling fans to rotate clockwise in winter to push rising warm air back down into the room.
How do I check my roof and exterior before winter?
Ellen recommends that all homeowners take a walk around the entire perimeter of the house in both the fall and spring. Check for damaged siding or loose shingles and repair them as soon as possible to prevent leaks that can cause damage over the winter.
GUTTER CLEANING
Why is gutter cleaning important in the fall?
Leaves, twigs, and other debris in gutters cause water to drain slowly or not drain at all. Clogged gutters left unchecked during the fall and into winter can cause ice dams, sagging or loose gutters, water damage to both the roofing structure and foundation, and pest infestations.
Who does Ellen recommend for gutter cleaning?
Ellen’s go-to roofing team at Easton Roofing now offers professional gutter cleaning! In addition to clearing out gutters, the pros at Easton Roofing can also install gutter covers to help slow down the build-up of leaves and other debris. To schedule a gutter cleaning, give them a call at (913) 257-5426.
LEAVES & LANDSCAPING
Why should I have the leaves removed from my lawn?
Keeping a lawn healthy includes removing fallen leaves from the grass throughout the fall. In neighborhoods with large, mature trees, like Brookside, leaf removal can feel like a never-ending task, but it is essential. Leaves block sunlight and prevent nutrients from reaching the grass’s root system. Grass blanketed under a thick layer of leaves will become patchy, weak, and unable to survive the winter. Leaves also retain moisture, creating a rich breeding ground for mold, disease, and unwanted pests.
What’s the easiest way to get rid of leaves in Kansas City?
For a simple solution to all those fallen leaves, call Ellen’s go-to leaf crew at Envision Lawn and Tree!
The Envision team uses a fleet of vacuum-equipped leaf trucks to quickly pick up leaves all over Brookside and beyond. Just schedule a pickup time with Envision, then blow or rake leaves to the curb. Envision takes care of the rest!
Forget bagging up all those fallen leaves by hand. Rake them to the street and let Envison’s vacuum leaf trucks handle the rest!
Should I prune trees and shrubs in the fall?
Yes. Trim any dying or dead limbs from trees and shrubs in the fall. The cooler temperatures will allow larger plants to handle more extensive trimming and pruning, so remove dead limbs before heavy snow or ice can cause them to snap and crash down on power lines, vehicles, or the roof.
Who does Ellen recommend for tree trimming?
Ellen’s go-to tree expert is Jeremy at Ronin Tree Care. As a certified arborist, he is able to assess the health of trees and execute trimming and pruning with expert care and expertise. Give him a call at (816) 547-7595.
