KANSAS CITY, Mo. — With subzero temperatures for nearly two weeks in Kansas City, it's an inopportune time for your furnace to give out.
It's a pain Jimmy Murff knows all too well.
His 100-year-old boiler furnace gave out four nights ago. At night, temperatures inside his home have dropped to 35 degrees Fahrenheit.
“You really don’t want it to get below 40 in here because it can be deadly,” said Murff, who described his home as a refrigerator. “You feel like you want to go outside just to warm up."
He is getting a new central heating and air system installed Wednesday and couldn't be happier.
"It’s gonna be a party. I’m telling you," said Murff.
To make sure your heater is running optimally, Bob Hamilton Plumbing, Heating, A/C and Rooter said they recommend a surge protector for the home and changing out the air filter.
“This is less wear on your motor and everything inside of your furnace. This keeps the air and furnace clean,” explained installation supervisor Brad Weller.
Weller said in Kansas City they want air to be at a 35 percent humidity rating, but he admits that is hard to do this time of year. The air is naturally dry and people are constantly running their furnaces.
"You can add humidifiers. That's going to keep your house moist, keep you from getting dry throats, bloody noses,” said Weller.
If it’s not getting hot enough, it could be an issue with your outside fuel pump. On certain types of systems, there is an emergency heat switch that will trade the power source.
“It will be gas back up or electric strip heat,” explained Weller.
Weller said you can pick from several different furnaces like 80 or 90 percent efficiency. You may pay more for the 90, but it will save you money in bills later on.
That's what Murff is getting. He said he's been paying $300-$350 each month to heat his home.
Workers tell 41 Action News it will take two days to install.
“I just want some heat. I need some heat badly,” said Murff.
KCP&L also put out these tips to help you save energy during the cold months.
- Don’t block vents or ducts to assure air flow throughout the home.
- Stop the gaps in your walls with caulk and weather stripping.
- Make saving part of your daily routine by opening drapes during the day and closing them at night.
