Serving Kansas City metro & surrounding homeowners during Winter Storm 2026
The winter storm that began Friday has continued through Saturday and into Sunday, bringing freezing rain, ice, and heavy snowfall across the Kansas City metro. After over 48 hours of extreme cold, many homeowners are seeing the impact: furnaces struggling to keep up the heat, pipes exposed to freezing temperatures, slow drains, and water heaters under stress.
This Sunday guide focuses on what to check after the first full days of the winter storm, how to prevent further damage, and when to call Top Notch Heating, Cooling & Plumbing for professional help.
Furnace & HVAC: Checking After 48 Hours of Continuous Use
Your furnace has been working non-stop to maintain warmth. Systems running continuously for days can develop issues if not monitored carefully.
Top Notch Heating Cooling and Plumbing Checklist for Home Furnaces After Winter Storm 2026
- Inspect Exhaust and Intake Vents: Snow and ice may still block flues or PVC exhaust pipes—clear carefully to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.
- Check Filters: Continuous operation can clog filters quickly. Replace if needed to prevent overheating and reduced airflow.
- Verify Thermostat Function: Ensure your thermostat is still accurate and set to a safe, consistent temperature. Avoid cranking the heat too high.
- Listen for Unusual Noises: Clicking, short cycling, or loud humming can signal a failing component.
⚠️ If heat isn’t restored or the system is malfunctioning, call an emergency HVAC professional immediately like Top Notch Heating Cooling and Plumbing.
Plumbing: Preventing Freeze and Burst Risks After the First Storm Day in Kansas City Surrounding Area Homes
Pipes with the Highest Risk of Freezing
Home pipes are most vulnerable near exterior walls, garages, or crawl spaces—especially after winter snowstorms or freezing rain. After a full day or more of freezing temperatures, these pipes are at the highest risk of freezing or even bursting. Protecting these areas is key to preventing costly damage.
Top Notch Heating Cooling and Plumbing Safety Tips For Homes
- Drip Faucets: Keep both hot and cold faucets running slightly to maintain flow.
- Open Cabinet Doors: Let warm air circulate around sink pipes.
- Insulate and Seal Drafts: Use towels or foam insulation to protect exposed pipes.
- Check Water Heaters: Water heaters in garages or near exterior walls may need extra insulation to prevent freezing.
- Know Your Main Water Shut-Off: Be ready to act if a pipe bursts.
If Pipes Freeze
- Avoid open flames.
- Use a hair dryer, heat tape, or small monitored space heater to thaw pipes safely.
- Call your local licensed plumber if unsure – Call Top Notch Heating Cooling and Plumbing is here to help!
General Home Safety Tips After the First 48 Hours
As a local heating and plumbing business, we want to help you stay safe after the first 48 hours of a winter storm. Even once the snow slows, freezing temperatures and icy conditions can still put your home and family at risk. Here are some essential tips to keep your home safe and comfortable until the weather fully clears.
- Keep Extra Water on Hand: Ensure you have enough for drinking, washing hands, and food prep in case water supply is interrupted.
- Maintain Warmth Safely: Continue using blankets, layered clothing, and safe indoor heaters. Avoid grills, kerosene tanks, or open flames—these are the #1 cause of winter fires during storms.
- Check CO & Fire Alarms: Batteries may drain faster in cold conditions—test detectors and replace batteries if needed.
- Avoid Overloading Electrical Circuits: Space heaters should be monitored at all times.
- Flashlights & Supplies: Keep flashlights, extra blankets, batteries, and a generator (if available) ready.
When to Call Top Notch Heating, Cooling & Plumbing
After 48 hours of cold snow, icy conditions, it’s common for heating or plumbing systems to need professional maintenance or a checkup. If you notice:
- Furnace failure or inadequate heat
- Frozen, leaking, or burst pipes
- Water heater problems
- Slow or backed-up drains
…call Top Notch Heating, Cooling & Plumbing immediately. Our team of technicians and plumbers are licensed, insured and technically experienced in winter storm emergencies across the Kansas City metro.
Contact Us For All Of Your Emergency Heating & Plumbing Services
FAQs: After 48 Hours of Winter Storm
Q: My furnace has been running nonstop—what should I check?
A: Inspect vents, filters, and the thermostat. Listen for unusual noises, and call our team of local furnace technicians if your heat is inadequate.
Q: How can I protect my pipes after the first storm day?
A: Keep faucets dripping, open cabinet doors, insulate exposed pipes, and check water heaters in garages or near exterior walls. Learn more preventative maintenance tips from Top Notch Heating Cooling and Plumbing.
Q: Is it safe to use outdoor grills or kerosene tanks indoors?
A: No. These are the leading cause of winter fires during storms. Use only indoor-safe heating methods.
Q: What should I do if a pipe freezes or bursts?
A: Shut off the main water supply, gently thaw frozen pipes, and/or call a licensed plumber like Top Notch Heating Cooling and Plumbing.
Q: How much extra water should I keep available?
A: 1 gallon per person per day. Enough for drinking, hand washing, and basic food prep in case water lines freeze.
