Winter in Wichita can sneak up on you. One day it’s hoodie weather. The next? You’re scraping frost off your windshield at 6 a.m.
That’s why getting your heating system ready before the cold hits is such a smart move. You don’t want to find out your furnace isn’t working… on the coldest night of the year.
At On Time Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, we’ve seen it all. Frozen pipes. Broken furnaces. Outdated filters that blow more dust than warm air.
Let’s help you avoid all that.
Here’s your pre-winter heating checklist, straight from our Wichita team to your home.
✅ 1. Change Your Air Filter
Easy. Quick. Super important.
Your furnace filter catches dust, hair, and all the gunk floating through your vents. But when it gets clogged, your system has to work harder. That means higher energy bills—and less heat in your home.
Pro tip: Swap it out every 1-3 months. More often, if you’ve got pets or allergies.
✅ 2. Test Your Thermostat
Go ahead, turn on the heat. Does it kick on right away? Is the temperature reading accurate?
If your home feels colder than what the screen says, your thermostat might be off. Or worse, broken. That’s a fix you don’t want to wait on.
Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat if you haven’t already. It can help you save money by learning your schedule and adjusting the heat when you’re not home.
Pretty cool for something that keeps you warm.
✅ 3. Listen for Strange Noises
Heating systems should not sound like a marching band. If you hear banging, squeaking, rattling, or anything that seems off, don’t ignore it.
Unusual noises often mean a part is loose, dirty, or about to fail. Catching it early can save you from a major breakdown.
And trust us, emergency furnace repairs during a Kansas cold snap? Not fun.
✅ 4. Clear Vents and Registers
Walk around your home and check all the vents. Are they open? Blocked by furniture? Covered in dust?
Blocked vents make it hard for warm air to flow. That means cold spots in your house and wasted energy.
Vacuum the vents and keep furniture or rugs a few feet away. Small step, big payoff.
✅ 5. Check the Pilot Light (If You Have One)
Older gas furnaces use a small flame called a pilot light. It should be a steady blue flame.
If it’s yellow or flickering, or out altogether, you might have a problem with gas flow or ventilation. That’s when you call in the pros. (Like us.)
Don’t try to fix gas issues on your own. It’s not worth the risk.
✅ 6. Schedule a Professional Heating Tune-Up
Even if everything seems fine, it’s smart to get a licensed tech to check things out before winter. A professional tune-up will:
- Inspect your entire system
- Clean key components
- Check for carbon monoxide leaks
- Make sure everything’s running safely and efficiently
It’s like getting your car ready for a long road trip. You wouldn’t hit the highway with bald tires and no oil change. Same goes for your furnace.
And the best part? Regular maintenance can extend the life of your system.
✅ 7. Check for Cold Drafts
If you’re losing heat through drafty windows or doors, your furnace will have to work overtime. And your energy bill will show it.
Use weatherstripping, door sweeps, or caulk to seal up leaks. It’s cheap and makes a big difference.
Bonus: Your home will feel more comfortable without that annoying chill around your feet.
✅ 8. Know the Age of Your Furnace
Most furnaces last about 15–20 years. If yours is pushing past that mark, you might want to start thinking about a replacement, not in a panic, but on your terms.
Older units cost more to run. And they break down more often.
If you’re not sure how old yours is, check the label on the unit or give us a call. We’ll help you figure it out.
Need Help? On Time Is Always Ready
Wichita winters are no joke. But you don’t have to go into the season guessing whether your heat will hold up.
At On Time Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, we’ve been helping homeowners like you stay warm and worry-free for years. Our expert techs show up when they say they will (it’s in the name!), and we do the job right the first time.
Whether it’s a tune-up, repair, or full furnace replacement, we’re here to help before the cold hits.
Don’t wait for the first freeze. Knock out your checklist now and enjoy a cozy, stress-free winter.
Schedule your heating check-up today!
Call us at (316) 721-5055 or book online. We’ll be there. On time. Every time.
