Heating & Cooling FAQs for Kansas City Homeowners

Scheduling yearly furnace maintenance helps extend the life of your heating system, ensures peak energy efficiency, and keeps your manufacturer warranty valid. Most HVAC warranties require annual service by a licensed technician.

At Top Notch Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we provide comprehensive furnace tune-ups and multi-point inspections for all makes and models. We’ll clean your system, check for issues before costly winter breakdowns, and recommend the ideal furnace filter replacement schedule based on your usage.

AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) measures how efficiently your furnace converts fuel into heat. A higher AFUE rating means lower energy costs and less heat waste.

Modern furnaces must have a minimum AFUE of 78%. If your furnace is over 10 years old, it may fall below this standard—wasting energy and driving up your utility bills. When shopping for a new furnace, choose one with a high AFUE rating to maximize heating efficiency.

Schedule annual tune-ups, change filters regularly, and adjust thermostat settings for when you're away or asleep.

For optimal furnace performance and energy efficiency, replace your furnace filter every one to three months. How often depends on usage and how much heating your home requires. Regular filter changes help your furnace run more efficiently, keeping your home warm and potentially lowering your energy bills.

To stay on schedule, write the replacement date on the filter itself—so you’ll always know when it’s time for a new one.

The age of your furnace is the biggest indicator — most units need replacing every 10 to 15 years. Upgrading may seem costly, but catching signs early can help you avoid a mid-winter breakdown.

Signs You Need a New Furnace:

• Furnace is over 10 years old
• Rising heating bills
• Frequent or expensive repairs
• Uneven home heating
• Yellow burner flame
• Unusual noises

The best way to know for sure is to schedule a professional inspection. At Top Notch Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we can assess your system and recommend a new, energy-efficient furnace if needed. Contact us today!

Cold winter air and indoor heating both lower humidity levels, leading to dry skin, static shock, chapped lips, bloody noses, and worsened allergies.

Installing a whole-house humidifier adds moisture back into your home’s air, improving indoor air quality and relieving common winter discomforts. Stay comfortable all season long with balanced humidity.

Natural gas furnaces are typically more cost-effective than electric, oil, or propane options — and they produce fewer carbon emissions, making them more eco-friendly.

Propane furnaces, however, heat homes faster and to higher temperatures. They also operate during power outages, offering reliable heating throughout the Kansas City area.

ENERGY STAR-certified furnaces, set by the U.S. EPA, are designed to boost energy efficiency, reduce utility bills, and lower carbon emissions.

In the Kansas City area — including Olathe, Lenexa, and Overland Park — ENERGY STAR gas furnaces are up to 16% more efficient than standard models, saving homeowners around $94 annually. Oil furnaces offer up to 4% more efficiency, with average savings of $66 per year. Upgrade to save energy and money while keeping your home comfortable.

With annual professional servicing and proper care, your air conditioner can last 12–15 years. Factors like component quality, installation, weather, and usage also impact its lifespan. Regular maintenance helps ensure reliable cooling and longer equipment life.

If your system is struggling to cool, needs frequent repairs, or causes high utility bills, it might be time to replace.

A frozen AC coil is often caused by dirty air filters blocking airflow, leading to moisture buildup that freezes on the coil. Other causes include refrigerant leaks or clogs.

If your AC stops working and you suspect a freeze:

1. Turn off the power.
2. Remove the evaporator cover and check for ice.
3. Let the coil thaw and drain completely.
4. Clear any clogs from the condensate drain — pour a cup of bleach into the PVC drain line to flush blockages.
5. Replace all air filters.
6. Turn the AC back on.

If problems persist, contact Top Notch Heating, Cooling & Plumbing for expert AC repair in Kansas City.

While not required, using a matching coil with your air conditioner is highly recommended. Most systems are optimized to work with a coil that has the same SEER rating for maximum efficiency. Although an air conditioner can operate with a mismatched coil, it will typically run much less efficiently. Additionally, many older coils use R-22 refrigerant, which is now scarce and being phased out. Newer coils use the environmentally friendly R-410A refrigerant, and converting between these two types can be complicated and costly.

Replacing an AC is clear when it’s old and beyond repair, but if it’s still working, consider these factors:

• Energy Efficiency: Newer air conditioners use less energy, saving you money. A Top Notch technician can estimate your potential savings.
• Return on Investment: Lower energy bills can help your new AC pay for itself in a few years. We’ll help you calculate the payback period.
• Frequent Breakdowns: If your AC struggles or breaks down during peak heat, it may be time for a more reliable, efficient system.

Contact Top Notch Heating, Cooling & Plumbing for expert advice on AC replacement in Kansas City.

Determining whether your heat pump needs repair or replacement can be tricky without a professional inspection. Older units may show signs like unusual noises or rising energy bills, but minor issues often mean simple component repairs — not full replacement.

Watch for signs like uneven heating/cooling or reduced airflow. If your heat pump struggles to condition your entire home, it’s time for a checkup.

For heat pumps over 10 years old with frequent, costly repairs, replacement is often the best choice. Newer models are more energy-efficient, helping you save money and stay comfortable. Contact Top Notch Heating, Cooling & Plumbing for expert heat pump service in Kansas City.

The lifespan of your heat pump largely depends on regular servicing and proper maintenance, with most units lasting around 10-15 years. However, advances in technology are continuously producing new heat pumps with even longer lifespans.

Several factors influence how long your heat pump will last, including the quality of its components, the expertise of the installation, your maintenance routine, as well as local weather conditions and how frequently the system is used. Considering these can help you decide whether to repair or replace your heat pump.

We don’t recommend DIY repairs — heat pump systems are complex and require licensed technicians for safe, effective service. Avoid doing major repairs yourself unless you’re a trained professional. Heat pumps operate on high-voltage (240V) circuits and contain complex electronics and refrigerants that pose safety risks. For safe, reliable heat pump repair, trust the experts at Top Notch Heating, Cooling & Plumbing in Kansas City.

Change your heat pump filter monthly during peak seasons (summer and winter) and every three months during off-peak periods to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.

COP (Coefficient of Performance) measures heat pump efficiency by dividing power output by power input. A higher COP means a more efficient heating and cooling system.

If you’re used to a gas or oil furnace, you might expect hot air around 120°F from your vents. Heat pumps, however, heat outdoor air to about 95°F before circulating it. Though cooler to the touch, this warm air effectively heats your home.

The EPA and CDC don’t set specific guidelines for duct cleaning frequency. However, it’s important to have your ducts, vents, and coils cleaned based on factors like household size, pets, environment, and health concerns. Typically, duct cleaning is recommended every 3–5 years, or sooner if you notice dust buildup, musty odors, or allergy symptoms. Consult a trusted duct cleaning company like Top Notch Heating, Cooling and Plumbing to determine the best schedule for your home.

Duct cleaning removes mold, bacteria, dust, and other contaminants from your ventilation system, improving indoor air quality and reducing health risks. It also clears debris from mechanical components, boosting system efficiency, preventing breakdowns, and extending your HVAC system’s lifespan. Regular duct cleaning is essential for a healthier, more efficient home.

Yes! Leaky ducts can increase your cooling and heating costs and reduce HVAC efficiency by up to 30%. When conditioned air escapes, your HVAC system works harder to maintain the desired temperature, leading to higher energy bills and more frequent cycling. Seal your ducts to improve efficiency and save money.

In a typical home, up to 20% of heated or cooled air is lost through duct leaks, holes, and poor connections—wasting energy and increasing utility costs.

Avoid wasting energy — watch for these signs:

• Higher than usual energy bills
• Rooms that are difficult to heat or cool
• Stuffy or uncomfortable rooms
• Ducts in the attic, crawlspace, or garage
• Tangled or kinked ductwork

Sealing your ducts improves comfort and lowers energy costs.

Many homeowners choose professional HVAC duct sealing for expert inspection, repair, and testing to boost energy efficiency.

A licensed technician will:

• Inspect ducts, including attic and crawlspaces
• Assess system efficiency and airflow
• Repair damaged or disconnected ducts
• Straighten crushed or tangled flexible ducts
• Seal leaks with mastic, metal tape, or aerosol sealant
• Seal registers and grills
• Install a new air filter
• Perform safety and airflow tests

Professional duct sealing ensures optimal HVAC performance and lower energy bills.

Air leaks from unsealed duct systems waste heated and cooled air, especially in attics and basements.

Common attic leak areas:

• Wall-to-attic floor joints
• Above ceiling drops and overhangs
• Behind attic walls
• Around electrical wires, attic hatches, doors, and chimneys
Common basement leak areas:
• Where the foundation meets the wood frame
Look for discolored insulation as a sign of air leaks. Sealing ducts and gaps in these areas improves energy efficiency and lowers heating and cooling costs.

Programmable thermostats improve energy efficiency by automatically adjusting your home’s temperature based on your schedule, saving you money without manual adjustments.

For optimal energy efficiency, set your thermostat to 78–80°F during the summer and 70–72°F in the winter. No matter what temperature you prefer, try to avoid making sudden changes greater than 10 degrees. Large temperature swings force your HVAC system to work harder, which can lead to higher energy bills and increased wear on your system. Adjust the temperature when away for additional savings.

Yes — adjusting your thermostat by 10% for 8 hours a day can cut heating and cooling costs by up to 10%. Programmable thermostats make this easy by automating temperature changes when you're asleep or away. The more consistently you use energy-saving settings, the more you’ll save. In most cases, a programmable thermostat pays for itself within 1–3 years.

To maximize savings, set your thermostat to the most efficient temperature you're comfortable with, then program it 10% higher or lower during times you're away. For comfort, schedule it to return to your preferred temperature about an hour before you get home. While programmable thermostats may cost more upfront, they save money year-round on heating and cooling.

For peak performance and efficiency, schedule maintenance twice a year — once before the cooling season and once before heating.

• Friendly, certified professionals
• Protective measures (floor covers, shoe covers, drop cloths)
• A clean work area when we’re done
• Honest recommendations, never pressure

Yes! We accept cash, check, credit, debit, and ACH. We also offer financing (with approved credit) for large repairs and system replacements.

We offer free second opinions — so you can be confident in your decisions.