Is My Furnace Ready for Winter? A Kansas Homeowner’s Checklist

Kansas winters have a mind of their own. One week it’s sweatshirt weather, and the next it’s single digits with icy prairie winds that make you wonder why you didn’t check your furnace sooner. Every year, we see homeowners across Lawrence, Topeka, and Baldwin City waiting until the first freeze to turn on their heat, and that’s usually when problems show up.

We’ve been working on heating systems around northeast Kansas long enough to know that a little preparation now can save you from frozen mornings and costly emergency calls later. Dunco has been keeping Kansas homes warm for decades, and this checklist will help you make sure your furnace is ready to handle another cold season.

Furnace Checklist for Maintenance and Winter Prep

Test Your Furnace Before Winter Arrives

The best time to check your furnace is before you need it. Doing this simple test now can prevent big headaches later.

Adjust the Thermostat

Turn the thermostat a few degrees above the current room temperature. Within about 15 minutes, your furnace should kick on and start producing warm air.
If nothing happens or the air doesn’t heat up, that’s a sign you should call a professional before winter hits.

Listen and Observe

Pay attention to the sounds your furnace makes when it starts up. A low hum is normal, but banging, rattling, or squealing usually means something is off. Compare what you hear to last winter; if the noises are new or worse, have it checked out.

Check for Airflow

Walk around your home and make sure warm air is flowing from all your vents. If airflow feels weak or uneven, you may have a blockage, leak, or dirty filter. Don’t forget to check return vents too. Make sure they’re not covered by furniture or rugs.

Perform Basic Pre-Winter Maintenance

A few simple steps can make a big difference in how efficiently your furnace runs all season.

Replace the Air Filter

This is the easiest and most important maintenance task you can do yourself. A dirty filter restricts airflow and forces the furnace to work harder, which drives up your energy bills.
Replace your filter every one to three months during heating season. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, replacing a dirty filter can lower energy use by 5 to 15 percent.

Inspect Vents and Registers

Walk through your home and make sure all vents and registers are open and clear. When airflow is blocked, your system can’t distribute heat evenly. Good airflow means fewer cold spots and better efficiency.

Test Your Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector

If you have a gas furnace, this step is essential. Replace the batteries in your CO detector and make sure it’s working properly. The CDC reports that more than 430 accidental CO deaths occur each year in the U.S., often linked to malfunctioning furnaces. A quick test could protect your family from danger.

When to Call a Professional in Lawrence, Topeka, or Baldwin

If your furnace doesn’t heat up, makes loud noises, or airflow feels weak, it’s time for a professional inspection.
You should also call right away if:

• You smell gas
• The pilot light burns yellow instead of blue
• You notice burning odors or smoke

Annual furnace tune-ups catch small problems before they turn into costly repairs. During a Dunco inspection, our HVAC technicians check:

• The heat exchanger for cracks
• Safety controls and electrical connections
• Gas pressure and venting
• Efficiency and performance settings

We’ll also clean and fine-tune your system so it runs smoothly and safely all winter.

Why a Tune-Up Matters in Kansas

Kansas winters bring long stretches of freezing weather, so your furnace works hard from November through March. Regular maintenance helps it stay efficient and reliable.

Here’s why tune-ups matter:

• A clean, tuned furnace can cut heating costs by up to 15 percent (ENERGY STAR).
• Most breakdowns happen during the first cold snap when systems are under stress.
• Professional inspections can prevent carbon monoxide leaks and fire hazards.
• Evergy and Kansas Gas Service both recommend pre-season tune-ups to reduce energy demand during peak winter months.

Get Your Furnace Ready for Winter

Testing your thermostat, replacing filters, checking CO detectors, and making sure your vents are clear are all quick ways to prepare for the season. But nothing beats a professional inspection for peace of mind.

Serving Lawrence, Topeka, and Baldwin families since 1988, Dunco’s HVAC technicians are here to help you stay warm and safe this winter.

Call today or schedule your furnace tune-up online before the Kansas cold sets in.