Below are a few of the Furnace (FAQ) Frequently Asked Questions about issues you may have or questions about maintenance. The information is for both gas and electric furnaces. If you don’t see your question, please call us and ask!
What Size Furnace Do I Need for My Kansas City Home?
The right furnace size depends on your home’s square footage, insulation quality, and the local climate in Kansas City. As a general guideline, you’ll need about 30-40 BTUs per square foot for proper heating. For a 2,000-square-foot home, that typically means a furnace with a capacity of 60,000-80,000 BTU. However, furnace sizing isn’t just about square footage—factors like ceiling height, window efficiency, and ductwork also play a role. An oversized furnace will short-cycle and waste energy, while an undersized unit won’t keep you warm during our coldest Kansas City winters. At Steve’s Heating & Cooling, we perform a detailed load calculation to determine exactly what size furnace you need. Call us at 816-436-8475 for a free sizing assessment.
How Much Does Furnace Repair Cost in Kansas City?
Furnace repair costs vary depending on what’s wrong with your system. Simple fixes like replacing a thermostat battery or changing a filter cost little to nothing, while more complex repairs like replacing a blower motor or heat exchanger can range from $150 to $1,500. Most furnace repair services in the Kansas City area fall between $200-$600. At Steve’s, we provide upfront pricing before we start any work—no surprise charges. Our diagnostic fee applies toward your repair cost, and we’ll always let you know if repair makes more sense than replacement. We serve Gladstone, Claycomo, Houston Lake, and the surrounding areas of the Kansas City metro with honest, affordable furnace repair services.
How Do I Know If My Furnace Needs Repair or Replacement?
If your furnace is less than 15 years old and the repair cost is less than half the price of a new system, repair usually makes sense. However, if your furnace is older, constantly breaking down, or your energy bills continue to climb, replacement might be the better choice. Warning signs that repair may not be worth it include frequent cycling, a yellow pilot light flame (indicating carbon monoxide), unusual noises, or uneven heating throughout your home. When you call Steve’s Heating & Cooling for furnace repair service, we’ll honestly assess your system and help you make the most cost-effective decision for your Kansas City home—whether that’s repair or replacement.
Why Isn’t My Furnace Heating My House Properly?
Several issues can prevent your furnace from heating effectively. The most common culprit is a dirty air filter, which restricts airflow—something every Kansas City homeowner should check monthly during the heating season. Other causes include a malfunctioning thermostat, closed or blocked vents, dirty burners, or a failing blower motor. If you have an older furnace, your ductwork might be leaking heated air before it reaches your living spaces. Sometimes the fix is simple, but other times it requires professional furnace repair nearby. Our HVAC technicians at Steve’s will diagnose the problem quickly and get your heating system working properly again. Don’t suffer through another cold Kansas City night—call 816-436-8475 for same-day furnace repair service.
How Often Should I Schedule Furnace Maintenance?
You should have your furnace professionally maintained at least once a year, ideally before the heating season starts in late fall. Regular heating system maintenance prevents 95% of furnace repairs and extends the lifespan of your equipment by years. During a maintenance visit, our technicians clean burners, check electrical connections, test safety controls, lubricate moving parts, and ensure everything’s running efficiently. For Kansas City homeowners, we recommend scheduling maintenance in September or October before you need your heat. Steve’s Heating & Cooling offers affordable maintenance plans that include priority service and seasonal tune-ups for both your heating and air conditioning systems. Preventive maintenance is always more cost-effective than emergency furnace repair.
Can I Fix My Furnace Myself, or Should I Call a Professional?
Some furnace issues you can handle yourself: replacing air filters, checking that vents are open, ensuring your thermostat has fresh batteries, and resetting tripped breakers. However, any repairs involving gas lines, electrical components, or internal furnace parts require the services of a licensed HVAC technician. Attempting DIY furnace repair can void your warranty, create safety hazards, and cost you more in the long run. Gas furnaces, in particular, require professional handling due to the risks of carbon monoxide. When you’re uncertain about what’s wrong with your heating system, call Steve’s Heating & Cooling at 816-436-8475. We’ve been providing trusted furnace repair services throughout the Kansas City area for years, and we’re here to help—whether it’s a simple fix or a complex heating and air conditioning repair.
What Are the Most Common Furnace Problems Kansas City Homeowners Face?
Kansas City’s cold winters put extra strain on heating systems, leading to common furnace problems. The issues we see most often include dirty or clogged filters (the #1 cause of furnace issues), malfunctioning thermostats, pilot light or ignition problems, worn-out blower motors, cracked heat exchangers, and dirty flame sensors. Many of these problems start small but can escalate into expensive repairs or even complete furnace failure if left unaddressed. Strange noises, such as banging, rattling, or squealing, are warning signs that something needs attention. If your furnace is cycling on and off frequently, blowing cold air, or not turning on at all, don’t wait—contact our furnace repair company for prompt service. Our technicians are familiar with all furnace makes and models common in the Kansas City metro.
How Long Does a Furnace Repair Usually Take?
Simple furnace repairs, such as replacing a thermostat, changing a faulty capacitor, or cleaning a flame sensor, typically take 1-2 hours. More involved heating system repairs, such as replacing a blower motor, control board, or gas valve, might take 2-4 hours. If parts need to be ordered, the timeline extends, but we always work to get your heat back on as quickly as possible. At Steve’s Heating & Cooling, we stock standard furnace repair parts on our trucks, so many repairs are completed in a single visit. When you schedule heating and air repair service with us, we’ll give you an estimated timeline upfront. We serve Avondale, Gladstone, Glenaire, Houston Lake, Lake Waukomis, Lenexa, and communities throughout Missouri and Kansas. Call us at 816-436-8475 for fast, reliable furnace repair service near you.
What are the most common furnace problems a homeowner can handle on their own?
Homeowners can often handle a few common furnace problems themselves. These include changing the filter, replacing the batteries in the thermostat, and verifying that the breaker has not been shut off or that the power switch on the furnace has not been accidentally turned off.
What are some helpful furnace maintenance tips for homeowners?
For ongoing maintenance, have your heating and cooling units professionally maintained twice a year. Between professional visits, remember to change the filters regularly. A 1-inch filter should be changed every 30 days, while a 5-inch filter can last 5 to 6 months. It’s also a good idea to change your thermostat batteries once a year to prevent corrosion. Additionally, consider having your ducts cleaned in order to avoid dirty filters and coils, which can lead to static pressure problems in the system.
What could be in a dirty heating and cooling duct system?
A dirty heating and cooling duct system can contain various contaminants, including dead skin cells, pet dander, and even small items such as toys and food. A newly constructed home can also have a lot of sawdust and dust particles in the ducts.
Do I need a carbon monoxide detector?
It is recommended to install a carbon monoxide detector for safety. A licensed HVAC technician will also check for carbon monoxide leaks during their yearly furnace inspection. Leaks can be caused by cracks in the heat exchanger, which may result from moisture in the basement or from a previous air conditioning leak. A technician will look for such flaws and may use a camera to scope the equipment.
What are the most important reasons to have your HVAC system maintained twice a year?
The most critical reason for yearly furnace maintenance is to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. When you turn your furnace on for the first time each season, professional maintenance can identify and address potential issues, such as gas leaks, faulty blower and inducer motors, or malfunctioning pressure switches. Technicians can also clear out spider-clogged hoses, ensuring the system operates safely.
I have an Electric furnace. What can I do to maintain my equipment?
If your furnace is not producing the warmth it should, your heating element may be experiencing issues, which could be indicated by a persistent burning smell. With an electric furnace, it’s particularly important to keep the filters clean so the unit doesn’t overheat. A dirty filter will prevent proper airflow across the coils, causing the equipment’s temperature to increase unnecessarily. Note that a burning smell may occur briefly when you first turn the furnace on, typically due to accumulated dust. However, it should dissipate after about an hour.
If you have a question or need assistance with a furnace issue, please don’t hesitate to contact us or call us at 816-436-8475.
