Winter in Kansas City can be brutal. Icy winds, sub-zero temperatures, and skyrocketing utility bills are no fun for anyone, especially when your home just won’t stay warm. Luckily, there are simple and effective steps you can take to prepare your home for the cold season. From smart thermostat settings to HVAC maintenance and water heater care, these tips will help you stay cozy, safe, and energy-efficient all season long.
Here are 10 expert-approved ways to keep your home warm and your utility bills under control this winter:
1. Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance
Routine HVAC maintenance is the #1 way to keep your home reliably warm when you need it most. Think of it like getting a checkup for your heating system—technicians will clean internal parts, check for worn components, and test efficiency to ensure everything is running smoothly.
Regular HVAC maintenance can:
- Extend the lifespan of your furnace
- Catch small problems before they turn into major heater repair calls
- Improve efficiency and lower your heating bills
2. Replace an Old or Inefficient Heater
If your furnace is over 15 years old, it may be time for an upgrade. Older units not only struggle to keep your home warm, but they also waste energy and drive up costs.
A new heater install can dramatically increase efficiency, reduce the risk of mid-winter breakdowns, and deliver consistent warmth throughout your home. Newer heating systems also come with smart thermostat compatibility and better air filtration for healthier indoor air.
Pro tip: Ask us about energy-efficient options that qualify for rebates or tax incentives.
3. Prevent Frozen Pipes with Proper Insulation
Frozen pipes are more than just a winter inconvenience; they can burst and cause major water damage. Insulate pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, and garages to prevent freezing.
You can use:
- Foam pipe sleeves
- Heat tape
- Opening cabinet doors (to let warm air circulate around pipes)
Also, keep a slow trickle of water running on particularly cold nights to keep water moving through your plumbing system.
4. Don’t Forget About Water Heater Maintenance
Your water heater works overtime in winter—and if it fails, you’ll be stuck with freezing showers and poor heating system performance. Make water heater maintenance part of your seasonal prep by flushing the tank to remove sediment buildup and checking the pressure relief valve.
5. Seal Air Leaks Around Windows and Doors
Even a small draft can let out a lot of warm air. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal leaks around windows, doors, and baseboards. You can also use thermal curtains for an extra layer of insulation that keeps the cold out and the heat in.
This simple weekend project can reduce your energy bill by up to 10%, and make your home feel noticeably warmer.
6. Use a Smart Thermostat
Installing a smart thermostat is one of the easiest upgrades that pays off big time. You can program it to lower the temperature while you’re away and warm the house before you return, maximizing comfort while minimizing costs.
Smart thermostats are especially helpful for those juggling work, school, or travel. They often integrate with your phone and can alert you to issues with your heating system or even remind you to schedule HVAC repair or maintenance.
7. Get Heating Repair Done Early
If your system is making strange noises, cycling on and off frequently, or struggling to maintain a consistent temperature, don’t wait until it fails completely. Early heating repair prevents larger, more expensive issues and helps you avoid emergency calls during a deep freeze.
8. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
This is one of those tricks people often overlook. Ceiling fans have a switch that changes the direction of the blades. In winter, set your fan to run clockwise at a low speed. This pushes warm air near the ceiling down into the room, keeping it cozy without touching the thermostat.
It’s a simple adjustment that helps circulate heat more evenly, especially in rooms with high ceilings.
9. Replace Dirty Filters Regularly
Clogged filters restrict airflow, making your furnace work harder and less efficiently. Replace filters every 1 to 3 months during the heating season. Not only will this help with airflow and system efficiency, but it also improves your indoor air quality—something especially important during winter months when windows stay shut tight.
10. Signs Up for a Seasonal HVAC Maintenance Plan
Want to take the guesswork out of home comfort? A seasonal maintenance plan ensures that your HVAC system is always in peak condition—no last-minute surprises or scrambling for appointments when your heater goes out.
With a maintenance plan from Swyft Property Care, you’ll enjoy:
- Priority scheduling
- Discounts on heater repair and air conditioner service
- Peace of mind that your home is ready for any season
Ready to Make Your Home Warm Again?
Staying warm this winter doesn’t have to mean cranking the heat and crossing your fingers. With regular HVAC maintenance, a reliable heating system, and a few smart upgrades, your home can be both cozy and cost-efficient all season long.
Swyft Property Care is here to help Kansas City homeowners take control of their comfort with honest, responsive, and affordable service. Whether you need heating repair, furnace maintenance, or a full heater install, we’re just a phone call away.
Ready to winter-proof your home?
Call Swyft today for a free estimate and start the season off right.
